Methods of blocking the interaction between stromal cells and hemopoietic cells with anti-VCAM-1 antibodies

Patent Number: 7,449,186

Mobilization is currently performed using agents such as G-CSF clinically, experimentally agents such as parathyroid hormone are being investigated.  The current patent teaches a new way to mobilize through blocking the interaction between hematopoietic stem cells and their stromal microenvironment using antibodies to VCAM-1.  VCAM-1 is expressed on stromal cells and usually binds to VLA-4 on CD34 cells, by disrupting this interaction, administration of antibodies to leads to mobilization of the CD34 hematopoietic stem cells from the bone marrow into peripheral circulation. 

The patent covers  in its broadest claim " A method of blocking interaction between a bone marrow stromal cell expressing VCAM-1 and a cell expressing VLA-4, which comprises administering an antibody to VCAM-1 in an amount effective to decrease VCAM-1 mediated adhesion between the bone marrow stromal cell and the cell expressing VLA-4".

View this patent on the USPTO website.