Therapy of sarcoidosis

Abstract

Sarcoidosis is associated with CD4.sup.+ T lymphocytes which express the T cell receptor V.sub..alpha. 2.3 chain. Thus, a method for diagnosing sarcoidosis is provided which comprises contacting cells of a subject with a first monoclonal antibody, or an antigen-binding fragment or derivative, specific for an epitope of the variable region of the T cell receptor V.sub..alpha. 2.3 chain and detecting the binding of the antibody. Also provided is a method for treating sarcoidosis in which a monoclonal antibody, or an antigen-binding fragment or derivative thereof, specific for an epitope of the variable region of the T cell receptor V.sub..alpha. 2.3 chain is administered. Sarcoidosis is also treated by administering a therapeutically effective amount of a protein or a peptide comprising an amino acid sequence of the variable region of the T cell receptor V.sub..alpha. 2.3 chain, or a functional derivative of the protein or peptide, or an antisense oligonucleotide which is complementary to the T cell receptor V.sub..alpha. 2.3 mRNA.

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