Actually, in "Converstations with J.K. Rowling", Jo says that Remus' lycanthropy is a metaphor for diseases (such as HIV), and disabilities in the sense that when people learn of his condition, they shy away from him and treat him like an outcast in everyday society.
Quote:
JKR: “I know that I’ve said publicly that Remus Lupin was supposed to be on the H.I.V. metaphor. It was someone who had been infected young, who suffered stigma, who had a fear of infecting others, who was terrified he would pass on his condition to his son. And it was a way of examining prejudice, unwarranted prejudice towards a group of people. And also, examining why people might become embittered when they’re treated that unfairly.”
Read more: http://thehpfacts.tumblr.com/post/7094768659#ixzz1Xn50GbWi
Yes, there is a lot of symbolism in the series. I normally don't like to over-analyze things, but in novels such as these, it adds to the complex beauty of the series.