Use of LP82 to treat hematopoietic disorders

Patent Number: 7101539

This invention covers the newly discovered cytokine IL-20 and its use in stimulation of proliferation of early, but not differentiated hematopoietic progenitors. The patent is similar to a paper published by one of the authors (Liu L et al. 2003 Nov 1;102(9):3206-9.) The patent has 4 independent claims all directed to use of IL-20 and polypeptides derived from it. The first covers a method of increasing number of early progenitors (CFU-GEMM) in a mammal, the second covers increasing production of erythrocytes, the third covers increasing hematocrit, and the fourth claim covers treatment of cellular deficiencies in the hematopoietic system such as neutropenia. The patent is useful for increasing production of blood cells in a wide variety of situations. An important point about this patent is that the corresponding paper cited previously states "IL-20 administration to normal mice significantly increased only multipotential progenitor cells, demonstrating that IL-20 significantly influences hematopoiesis, with specificity toward multipotential progenitors. This is the first cytokine with such specificity identified." If indeed concentrations of IL-20 sufficient for stimulation of early hematopoietic progenitors can be achieved in vivo, this invention may have profound implications. Additionally, the recent identification that various bone marrow cells have plasticity towards differentiation into different tissues may suggest that IL-20 is useful in other stem cell therapeutics, including in regenerative medicine.

View this patent on the USPTO website.