Pathway for Th-17 cell development and methods utilizing same

摘要

The present disclosure demonstrates for the first time that Th-17 cells are the product of a distinct CD4+ T cell lineage with unique developmental and functional characteristics. The developmental signals required for Th-17 commitment and development are also described. As a result, the teachings of the present disclosure provide a basis for understanding the developmental pathway of Th-17 cells and offer novel avenues to modulate (stimulate or inhibit) this developmental program and offer new methods for the treatment and prevention of disease states and conditions related to aberrant activity of Th-17 cells.

主权项

1. A method of inhibiting the generation of a Th-17 effector cell, said method comprising the step of:
a. exposing a Th-17 effector cell precursor to an antagonist of interleukin-23 (IL-23) function thereby inhibiting the generation of the Th-17 effector cell; b. exposing a Th-17 effector cell precursor to an antagonist of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) function, an antagonist of interleukin-6 (IL-6) function, an antagonist of interleukin-17 (IL-17) function or a combination of the foregoing; and c. exposing the Th-17 effector cell precursor to an effective amount of an agent that inhibits Th-17 effector cell activity.