METHODS TO TREAT DISEASE STATES BY INFLUENCING THE SIGNALING OF OX40-RECEPTORS AND HIGH THROUGHPUT SCREENING METHODS FOR IDENTIFYING SUBSTANCES THEREFOR

摘要

OX40L inhibits the generation of IL-10-producing Tr1 cells from naïve and memory CD4+ T cells induced by the immunosuppressive drugs dexamethasone and vitamin D3. This unique function of OX40L is not shared by two other costimulatory TNF-family members, GITR-ligand and 4-1BB-ligand. OX40L also strongly inhibits the generation of IL-10-producing Tr1 cells induced by two physiological stimuli provided by inducible costimulatory ligand and immature DCs and inhibits the production of IL-10 by regulatory T cells. It has thus been shown that signaling the OX40-receptor on human T cells by monoclonal antibodies, small molecules, or OX40L regulates the generation and function of IL-10 producing immunosuppressive T cells. Also provided are high throughput methods for identifying substances that promote or inhibit the generation and function of IL-10 producing T cells. Numerous disease states, such as human allergic, autoimmune, and autoimmune diseases, and cancer, may be treated by targeting OX40/OX40L.