Methods for reducing botulinum neurotoxin A toxicity
The present invention is based on the identification of synaptic vessel glycoprotein SV2 as the BoNT/A receptor and the further identification of various BoNT/A-binding fragments of SV2. The disclosure here provides new tools for diagnosing and treating botulism.
1. A method for reducing botulinum neurotoxin A (BoNT/A) toxicity in a human or non-human animal comprising the step of:
administering to the human or non-human animal an agent that reduces binding between BoNT/A and a synaptic vesicle glycoprotein SV2 in the human or non-human animal, wherein the agent is a polypeptide that comprises the amino acids at positions 486 to 523 of SEQ ID NO:16 and that is capable of binding to BoNT/A.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the method is for reducing BoNT/A toxicity in a human.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the agent further comprises a ganglioside.