Cytokine-based fusion proteins for treatment of immune disorders
The present invention provides fusion proteins including an autoimmune antigen, an allergen antigen or an alloantigen, and an anti-inflammatory cytokine. Compositions and methods including the fusion proteins are also provided.
1. A method of eliciting a tolerogenic response in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject at least one fusion protein, wherein said fusion protein comprises (i) a myelin basic protein (MBP), proteolipid protein (PLP), myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG), myelin-associated oligodendrocytic basic protein (MOBP), and any combination thereof, and (ii) an anti-inflammatory cytokine selected from the group consisting of interleukin (IL) 1 receptor alpha (IL-1RA) IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, IL-13, IL-16, interferon-beta (IFN-β), and any combination thereof.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the tolerogenic response modulates an antigen-specific immune response.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the tolerogenic response is an active tolerance mechanism or a sustained tolerogenic response.