Methods for inhibition of NKT cells
AssigneeThe Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University
InventorsSamuel Strober, Everett Hurteau Meyer, Dale T. Umetsu
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Abstract
Molecules that interact with the NKT cell antigen receptor and its counterpart antigen presenting molecule, but which inhibit the NKT cell immune function, are administered to a patient. Conditions of particular interest include the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), cancer, atherosclerosis, and allergic disease. In some embodiment of the invention, the inhibitory agent is an anergizing glycolipid, for example β-galactosylceramide. Pharmaceutical formulations of such glycolipids are provided, and find use in the treatment of diseases involving undesirable NKT cell activation.
Claims13
A method of blocking or reducing airway hyperresponsiveness, the method comprising:
- administering to a patient in need thereof, an effective dose of a β-galactosylceramide or anti-CD1d antibody, wherein said airway hyperresponsiveness is blocked or reduced and wherein said β-galactosylceramide or anti-CD1d antibody is administered locally or systemically.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.