COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR MANIPULATING AN IMMUNE RESPONSE

摘要

A method for reducing antigen presentation by one or more antigen presenting cells is described. The method comprises the steps of introducing an exogenous apoptosis-inducing agent into the cytosol of the one or more antigen presenting cells, and triggering apoptosis of the one or more antigen presenting cells by an apopto sis-triggering complex that includes the exogenous apoptosis-inducing agent and an endogenous apoptosis-inducing agent. Reduction in antigen presentation by antigen presenting cells in accordance with the method described, can result in a reduced immune response, a reduction in cross-presentation of antigens to one or more CD8+ T- cells, a reduction in interleukin 12 expression, and/or a reduction in toll-like receptor 3 expression.