Combinations of mhc class ib molecules and peptides for targeted therapeutic immunomodulation

Abstract

The present invention relates to therapeutical uses of non-classical major histocompatibility complex (MHC), also known as MHC class Ib molecules in combination with defined peptides. The invention more specifically relates to targeted immunomodulatory effects of defined peptides in combination with proteins comprising one or more domains of a non-classical MHC class Ib molecule or in combination with molecules that interfere with the interaction of MHC class Ib molecules and their receptors. The invention also relates to methods of producing such proteins, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same, as well as their uses for treating medical conditions in which antigen-specific immune reactions are beneficial, including cancer and infectious diseases, or harmful, including autoimmune diseases, organ/tissue rejection, immune reactions towards pharmaceutical compounds or reproductive disorders. Moreover, as the invention reveals a novel mode of action for MHC class Ib molecules during antigen-specific tolerance induction, it also relates to methods for interfering with this mechanism in situation where induction of antigen-specific immune tolerance is wanted, but physiologically prevented by said mechanism.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.