ANNEXIN II COMPOSITIONS FOR TREATING OR MONITORING INFLAMMATION OR IMMUNE-MEDIATED DISORDERS FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Abstract

Methods and compositions for treating, detecting, diagnosing or assisting in the diagnosis of an inflammatory or immunological disorder are provided. The authors have made the novel discovery that anti-dsDNA antibodies are reactive to cell surface annexin II and through this interaction, anti-dsDNA antibodies are bound and then internalized and translocated into the cytoplasm and/or nucleus where they mediate altered cellular functions. Compositions that inhibit or interfere with the interaction of annexin II with anti-dsDNA antibodies can be used to treat one or more symptoms or pathological processes of an inflammatory or immunological disorder, preferably an auto-immune disorder. Methods for monitoring the progression or severity of an inflammatory or immunological disorder are also provided. In certain embodiments, levels of annexin II and/or anti-dsDNA antibodies, including anti-dsDNA antibodies that can bind to annexin II, are assessed and compared to a reference level of annexin II and/or anti-dsDNA antibodies that corresponds to a specific stage or severity of the disorder.