The neural Type IIB activin receptor (ActRIIB) is strongly expressed in the injured brain, in contrast to the near absence of its expression in the uninjured, non-diseased brain. This invention is directed to the use of ActRIIB activating agents and disinhibiting agents in treating neuronal insult (including stroke). This invention provides agents and methods of using agents that activate or disinhibit ActRIIB, and associated intracellular signaling pathways, as neuroprotective and neurorestorative agents that are specifically targeted to the injured brain and selectively to injured regions of the brain.
NEUROPROTECTION AND/OR NEURORESTORATION VIA THE NEURAL AVTIVIN TYPE IIB RECEPTOR