Blockade of lymphocyte down-regulation associated with CTLA-4 signaling
AssigneeThe Regents of the University of California
InventorsJames Patrick Allison, Dana R. Leach, Matthew F. Krummel
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Abstract
T cell activation in response to antigen is increased by the administration of binding agents that block CTLA-4 signaling. When CTLA-4 signaling is thus blocked, the T cell response to antigen is released from inhibition. Such an enhanced response is useful for the treatment of tumors, chronic viral infections, and as an adjuvant during immunization.
Claims12
A method of increasing the response of a mammalian T cell to antigenic stimulation, the method comprising:
- combining a T cell with an effective dose of a CTLA-4 blocking agent, wherein said blocking agent is capable of specifically binding to the extacellular domain of CTLA-4 and inhibiting CTLA-4 signaling;
- wherein said dose is effective to increase said response of said mammalian T cell to antigenic stimulus.
A method of increasing the in vivo response of a mammalian T cell to antigenic stimulation, the method comprising:
- combining a T cell with an effective dose of a CTLA-4 blocking agent, wherein said blocking agent is capable of specifically binding to the extracellular domain of CTLA-4 and inhibiting CTLA-4 signaling;
- wherein said dose is effective to increase said in vivo response of said mammalian T cell to antigenic stimulus.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.