METHODS FOR TREATING GI SYNDROME AND GRAFT VERSUS HOST DISEASE
We have discovered that administering anti-ceramide antibody treats and prevents an array of diseases mediated by cytolytic T lymphocyte (CTLs)-induced killing and by damage to endothelial microvasculture, including radiation-induced GI syndrome, Graft vs. Host diseases, inflammatory diseases and autoimmune diseases. We have also discovered new anti-ceramide monoclonal antibodies, that have therapeutic use preferably in humanized form to treat or prevent these diseases.
1 . A method for treating a disease selected from the group consisting of graft versus host disease, radiation disease, GI syndrome and autoimmune disease in an animal, comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a biologically active fragment of an anti-ceramide antibody.
2 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the biologically active fragment is comprised of a single-chain antibody.
3 . The method of claim 2 , wherein the biologically active fragment is comprised of a single-chain variable fragment (scFv).
4 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the biologically active fragment is humanized.
5 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the anti-ceramide antibody is 2A2 IgM.
6 . The method of claim 5 , wherein the biologically active fragment of 2A2 IgM is humanized.
7 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the anti-ceramide antibody is 1H4, 15D9 and 5H9 mouse monoclonal.
8 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the disease is radiation disease or GI syndrome and the antibody is administered before the animal is exposed to radiation.
9 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the disease is graft v. host disease and the antibody is administered before the animal receives a bone marrow transplant.