ADJUVANT THERAPY

摘要

Methods are provided for the treatment of allergic and other immune disorders associated with overproduction of Th2 type cytokines by antigen specific T cells. Immunotherapy with adjuvants, as provided in the present invention, greatly inhibits the developments of airway hyperreactivity and airway inflammation. Such immunotherapy is shown to reverse ongoing airway disease, and convert allergic inflammatory responses into protective immune responses. Conditions of particular interest include allergic conditions associated with production of Th2 cytokines and/or IgE antibodies, asthma, allergic rhinitis, and anaphylactic reactions. The addition of adjuvant induces a Th1-type immune response and can redirect an established Th2-type response to a Th1-type response for the selected antigen. Preferably, antigen-specific IgE production is reduced without altering the intensity of the antigen-specific pr oliferative response. One particularly preferred adjuvant for use in accordance with the present invention is a Listeria adjuvant.