COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR MODULATING AN IMMUNE RESPONSE

摘要

The present invention relates to a method of enhancing a pro-inflammatory immune response through the administration of the DEAD- box protein DDX3, as encoded by SEQ ID NO:1. The invention further extends to a method of suppressing an aberrant immune response, such at that associated with autoimmune conditions, through inhibition of DDX3. The invention also extends to a method of suppressing a pro-inflammatory immune response through the administration of the vaccinia virus protein K7. The invention further extends to the provision of an attenuated poxvirus wherein the K7R gene which encodes for the K7 protein is deleted or rendered non-functional. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising DDX3 inhibitory compounds, such as K7, are also provided.