Compositions and methods for treating eye infections and disease

Abstract

The present invention provides compositions and methods for identifying subjects suffering from dry eye that can be treated by topical administration of a composition comprising lacritin or a bioactive fragment thereof. The application discloses in part that a ˜90 KDa deglycanated form of syndecan-1 is abundant in tears of normal individuals but not individuals suffering from dry eye, whereas a ˜25 kDa syndecan-1 fragment is detectable in dry, but not normal tears.

1 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A bactericidal composition, comprising a C-terminal fragment of lacritin selected from SEQ ID NO: 7, or SEQ ID NO: 8, or a derivative thereof that differs from SEQ ID NO: 7 or SEQ ID NO: 8 by one or two amino acid substitutions; and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier; wherein the composition is suitable for topical administration to an ocular surface of a subject. 
     
     
         22 . The composition of  claim 21  wherein the amino acid substitutions are located at positions 4, 6, 8, 10, 17 and 19 relative to the numbering of SEQ ID NO: 7. 
     
     
         23 . The composition of  claim 21  wherein the C-terminal fragment of lacritin consists of SEQ ID NO: 7. 
     
     
         24 . The composition of  claim 21 , wherein the composition, further comprises a second anti-bacterial agent. 
     
     
         25 . The composition of  claim 24 , wherein the second anti-bacterial agent is lysozyme. 
     
     
         26 . The composition of  claim 25 , wherein the weight ratio of lysozyme to the C-terminal fragment of lacritin is from 4:1 to 3:1. 
     
     
         27 . A method of treating a corneal infection, said method comprising selecting a subject having a corneal infection and contacting the cornea of the subject with the composition of  claim 21 .