Inventors:
Mario Chojkier - San Diego CA, US
Martina Buck - San Diego CA, US
Assignee:
The Regents of the University of California - Oakland CA
International Classification:
A61K 38/07
Abstract:
The present invention relates generally to the treatment and prevention of diseases characterized by excess cell proliferation and/or activation. In particular, the present invention provides compositions and methods to suppress the activation and/or proliferation of various cells. In some preferred embodiments, the present invention provides compositions and methods to suppress the activation and/or proliferation of mesenchymally derived cells (including, but not limited to hepatic stellate cells), as well as cells with abnormal growth characteristics. In some particularly preferred embodiments, the present invention provides compositions and methods to inhibit or eliminate fibrosis. In alternative preferred embodiments, the present invention provides compositions and methods to induce fibrosis. In still further embodiments, the present invention provides methods and compositions to treat and/or prevent cancer.