This CDC invention provides methods for preventing or treating inflammatory response-linked, infection induced pathologies, which are mediated by endogenous substance P. Substance P is a naturally-occurring and major pro-inflammatory neuromediator or neuromodulator, and elevated levels of substance P have been implicated in numerous inflammation-associated diseases. More specifically, this technology entails administration of anti-substance P antibodies or anti-substance P antibody fragments to a subject in need, thereby inhibiting the activity of endogenous substance P.

Small molecule anti-inflammatory agents currently employed to treat inflammation frequently cause adverse side effects, such as gastrointestinal discomfort and decreased blood clotting efficiency. Use of steroid-based anti-inflammatory drugs may result in reduced adrenal gland function and generalized immune system inhibition. This technology specifically targets and alleviates substance P-induced hyper-inflammatory diseases, potentially avoiding the complications associated with other anti-inflammatory compounds. Blocking the activity of endogenous substance P potentially can be employed to prevent or treat a wide variety of diseases or syndromes caused in whole or part by an inflammatory response mediated by substance P. These include, but are not limited to, virus-mediated bronchiolitis including that mediated by respiratory syncytial virus, bacterial colitis, inflammation associated with chlamydial diseases, lung injury associated with staphylococcal enterotoxin B, inflammation due to cytomegalovirus or hepatitis B virus, sepsis, allergic diseases such as asthma, autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, inflammation associated with multiple sclerosis, and rejection of allografts and other transplanted tissues or organs.