Method for treating or alleviating endometriosis with il-33 antagonist

Abstract

Based on the identification of IL-33 as an exacerbating factor in endometriosis and adenomyosis uteri, a method for treating or alleviating endometriosis or adenomyosis uteri, involves administering an IL-33 antagonist, which is capable of inhibiting the function of IL-33. The IL-33 antagonist is useful for treating, preventing or alleviating endometriosis and uterine adenomyosis uteri.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for treating or alleviating endometriosis or adenomyosis uteri, comprising administration of an IL-33 antagonist to a subject in need thereof. 
     
     
         2 . A method for alleviating pain associated with endometriosis or adenomyosis uteri, comprising administration of an IL-33 antagonist to a subject in need thereof. 
     
     
         3 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the IL-33 antagonist is an anti-IL-33 antibody, anti-IL-33 receptor antibody or soluble IL-33 receptor. 
     
     
         4 . The method according to  claim 3 , wherein the anti-IL-33 antibody or anti-IL-33 receptor antibody is a monoclonal antibody. 
     
     
         5 . The method according to  claim 4 , wherein the monoclonal antibody is a human monoclonal antibody. 
     
     
         6 . The method according to  claim 3 , wherein the soluble IL-33 receptor comprises all or a part of the extracellular region of ST2L protein. 
     
     
         7 . The method according to  claim 2 , wherein the pain associated endometriosis is non-menstrual pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, or dyspareunia. 
     
     
         8 . The method according to  claim 7 , wherein the IL-33 antagonist is an anti-IL-33 antibody, anti-IL-33 receptor antibody or soluble IL-33 receptor. 
     
     
         9 . The method according to  claim 8 , wherein the anti-IL-33 antibody or anti-IL-33 receptor antibody is a monoclonal antibody. 
     
     
         10 . The method according to  claim 9 , wherein the monoclonal antibody is a human monoclonal antibody. 
     
     
         11 . The method according to  claim 8 , wherein the soluble IL-33 receptor comprises all or a part of the extracellular region of ST2L protein. 
     
     
         12 . A method for improving quality of life in a patient with endometriosis or adenomyosis uteri, comprising administration of an IL-33 antagonist to a subject in need thereof.