Critical Role for Eotaxin-3 in Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Critical Role for Eotaxin-3 in Eosinophilic Esophagitis

(CHMC Ref. Id: 2004-1003)

Overview:

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EE) is often confused with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), but it does not typically respond to anti-GERD therapy.  Patients with EE typically have elevated levels of eosinophilis in their esophageal tissue and diagnosis currently requires endoscopy with subsequent biopsy and analysis of the excised tissue.  Dr. Marc Rothenberg has identified eotaxin-3 as a critical molecule in the pathogenesis of EE, and developed methods for diagnosing EE by comparing the eotaxin-3 DNA, mRNA or protein levels in a tissue or blood sample from a patient suspected of having EE to a known non-EE level.  Dr. Rothenberg has also developed methods of treating EE patients by inhibiting eotaxin-3 and/or its cell receptor, such as for CCR3.

Applications:

• Therapeutic target and diagnostic for eosinophilic esophagitis disease
• Useful for distinguishing EE from GERD and normal individuals
• Biomarker for monitoring therapeutic effectiveness

Advantages:

• Less invasive, less expensive method of diagnosis
• Distinguish between types of esophagitis
• Monitor therapeutic effectiveness

• Patent Applications Pending

Cincinnati Children's Lead Inventor:

Marc E. Rothenberg, M.D., Ph.D.