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AssigneeBoard of Regents, The University of Texas System
InventorsPeter E. Lipsky, Xue-Lian Tao
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The present invention involves the use of Tripterygium Wilfordii Hook F extracts in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. An alcohol extract of this plant (T2) inhibited antigen- and mitogen-stimulated proliferation of T cells and B cells, cell cycle progression, interleukin-2 (IL-2) production by T cells, immunoglobulin production by B cells and interleukin-2 mRNA production. T2 did not affect IL-2 receptor expression by T cells, IL-1 production by monocytes, the capacity of monocytes to present antigen, or signaling pathways. Inhibition could not be accounted for by nonspecific toxicity. These results support the conclusion that T2 exerts a powerful suppressive effect on human immune responses. Suppressing autoinnune disease is a most preferred embodiment of this invention.
A method for inhibiting interleukin-2-mediated immunosuppression comprising administering a preparation consisting essentially of a Tripterygium Wilfordii Hook F root extract in a therapeutically effective amount to a patient in need of such treatment;
A method for suppressing interleukin-2 in autoimmune disease comprising administering a preparation consisting essentially of Tripterygium Wilfordii Hook F root extract, in a therapeutically effective amount to a patient having an autoimmune disease sufficient to suppress interleukin-2 production.
A method of inhibiting interleukin-2 mediated immunoglobulin systhesis comprising administering a preparation consisting essentially of a Tripterygium Wilfordii Hook F root extract in a therapeutically effective amount sufficient to inhibit interleukin-2 production to a patient in need of such treatment.
A method of inhibiting interleukin-2 mediated cell proliferation of human peripheral blood lymphocytes comprising administering a preparation consisting essentially of a Tripterygium Wilfordii Hook F root extract in a therapeutically effective amount sufficient to inhibit interleukin-2 production to a patient in need of such treatment.
A method of inhibiting interleukin 2-mediated cellular immune responses comprising administering a preparation consisting essentially of a Tripterygium Wilfordii Hook F root extract in a therapeutically effective amount sufficient to inhibit interleukin-2 production to a patient in need of such treatment.
A method of selectively inhibiting the production of interleukin-2 comprising administering a preparation consisting essentially of a Tripterygium Wilfordii Hook F root extract in a therapeutically effective amount sufficient to inhibit interleukin-2 production to a patient in need of such treatment.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.