CD7

摘要

The present invention relates, in general, to CD7 and, in particular, to a method of identifying individuals predisposed to autoimmune diseases based on CD7 analyses. The invention further relates to a method of treating patients suffering from autoimmune diseases by modulating CD7 expression and/or function. The present invention also relates to a method of identifying individuals predisposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced shock, as well as to asthma or to other events and sequelae of infections mediated by TNF alpha and gamma-interferon (IFN- gamma ). The invention further relates to a method of treating patients suffering from septic shock, or preventing septic shock in patients predisposed to develop septic shock, by modulating CD7 expression and/or function. In addition, the invention relates to a method of treating patients suffering from asthma or from events and sequelae of infections mediated by TNF alpha or IFN- gamma , or preventing asthma or such events and sequelae of infections mediated by TNF alpha and IFN- gamma in patients predisposed to develop asthma or these events and sequelae, by modulating CD7 expression and/or function. The invention additionally relates to compositions suitable for use in such methods.