Combination therapy with IgA1 proteases
The present invention discloses the use of bacterial IgA1 proteases to treat IgA1 deposition in tissue and organs. Bacterial IgA1 proteases specifically cleave IgA1 molecules and thus provide a means to specifically cleave and remove IgA1 depositions. Accordingly, therapeutic agents for the treatment of diseases characterized by IgA deposition are provided. In particular, therapeutic agents to treat IgA nephropathy, Dermatitis herpetiformis (DH), and Henoch-Schoenlein purpura (HS) are disclosed.
1. A method comprising a step of administering to an individual having deposits of human IgA1
(a) an IgA1 protease selected from the group consisting of Streptococcus pneumoniae IgA1 protease, Streptococcus sanguis IgA1 protease, Clostridium ramosum IgA1 protease, Haemophilus influenzae IgA1 protease, Haemophilus aegyptius IgA1 protease, Neisseria meningitidis type 1 and type 2 IgA1 protease, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae IgA1 protease and
(b) another therapy selected from the group consisting of corticosteroids, dietary fish oil supplements, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, and combinations thereof, such that the deposits of IgA1 are reduced.