Modulation of C-reactive protein expression

Patent Number: 7,425,545

Inflammatory mediators are known to attract stem cells in acute settings, and inhibit stem cells in chronic settings.  For example, in stroke patients, there is an increase in SDF-1, which is believed to account for mobilization of stem cells from the bone marrow into systemic circulation, and from there, presumably into the brain, where they mediate trophic and regenerative activities.  This is an example of an acute inflammation inducing stem cell migration.  Chronic inflammatory mediators, such as TNF, are known to inhibit stem cell function.  In aging, there is an increase in chronic inflammation.  This is seen by increased systemic levels of inflammatory cytokines, as well as oxidative stress.  One of the markers and effectors of chronic inflammation is C reactive protein (CRP).

The current patent covers sequences of antisense oligonucleotides that inhibit CRP production.  This patent is owned by the company ISIS, which has numerous antisense molecules in late stages of development, including in Phase III clinical trials. 

While the patent does not discuss this point, we at StemCellPatents.com suggest that this patent may be useful for increasing efficacy of stem cell therapies by decreasing the chronic inflammatory state that is caused, at least in part, by elevated CRP.

View this patent on the USPTO website.