Abstract: The present invention describes that neurotrophins undergo post-translational modifications, and that these post-translational modifications mediate the pro-apoptotic and/or pro-neurite activity of neurotrophins. These post-translational modifications notably include nitration and the formation of conformationally-different dimers, as well as of abnormal oligomers, such as tetramers and octamers. The invention further relates to compounds that compete with such modified neurotrophins, as well as to compounds that bind to these modified neurotrophins. The invention thus provides useful agents for the treatment of the conditions or diseases involving chronic pain and/or neuron loss.

Abstract: The present invention describes that neurotrophins undergo post-translational modifications, and that these post-translational modifications mediate the pro-apoptotic and/or pro-neurite activity of neurotrophins. These post-translational modifications notably include nitration and the formation of conformationally-different dimers, as well as of abnormal oligomers, such as tetramers and octamers. The invention further relates to compounds that compete with such modified neurotrophins, as well as to compounds that binds to said modified neurotrophins. The invention thus provides useful agents for the treatment of the conditions or diseases involving chronic pain and/or neuron loss.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel methods for combating cell degeneration or dysfunction resulting from neuroinflammatory conditions. The invention especially relates to the use, in the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of neurodegenerative disease associated with neuroinflammation, of an immunogenic compound which is capable of inducing an immune response against a proapoptotic neurotrophin, or an effective amount of a hapten combined with appropriate carriers and/or adjuvants to render the resulting combination capable of inducing an immune response against a proapoptotic neurotrophin. Also disclosed are compositions for the active or passive immunization against neuronal or glial cell apoptosis caused by neuroinflammation as well as methods and means useful for said active or passive immunization.

Abstract: The present invention describes that neurotrophins undergo post-translational modifications, and that these post-translational modifications mediate the pro-apoptotic and/or pro-neurite activity of neurotrophins. These post-translational modifications notably include nitration and the formation of conformationally-different dimers, as well as of abnormal oligomers, such as tetramers and octamers. The invention further relates to compounds that compete with such modified neurotrophins, as well as to compounds that binds to said modified neurotrophins. The invention thus provides useful agents for the treatment of the conditions or diseases involving a chronic pain and/or neuron loss.