Methods for regulation of active TNF- alpha

摘要

PCT No. PCT/US93/10868 Sec. 371 Date Jun. 29, 1995 Sec. 102(e) Date Jun. 29, 1995 PCT Filed Nov. 9, 1993 PCT Pub. No. WO94/11006 PCT Pub. Date May 26, 1994Substances comprising disaccharides and substances comprising carboxylated and/or sulfated oligosaccharides in substantially purified form, and methods of using same, are disclosed for the regulation of cytokine activity in a host. For instance, the secretion of active Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNF- alpha ) can be either inhibited or augmented selectively by administration to the host of an effective amount of a substance of the invention. Thus, the present invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions and their use for the prevention and/or treatment of pathological processes involving the induction of active cytokine secretion, such as TNF- alpha . The invention also relates to the initiation of a desirable immune system-related response by the host to the presence of activators, including pathogens. The substances and pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention may be administered daily, at very low effective doses, typically below 0.1 mg/kg human, or at intervals of tip to about 5-8 days, preferably once a week.