CD8 AS AN INHIBITOR OF THE CELLULAR IMMUNE SYSTEM

摘要

This invention is directed to a method for inhibiting cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) activity in which soluble CD8 is used as the inhibitor. The invention is further directed to soluble forms of the CD8 molecule which can be administered to a patient. The method of this invention is particularly useful for immunosuppressive therapy in which inhibition of CTL activity is desirable, for example, in patients undergoing transplantation.