A METHOD OF MODULATING B CELL FUNCTIONING

摘要

The present invention relates generally to a method of modulating cellular functioning. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method of modulating B cell functioning, for example B cell proliferation, utilising an IDO- mediated tryptophan metabolite as herein defined (particular examples of such IDO-mediated tryptophan metabolites include 3-hydroxykynurenic acid, 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid, picolinic acid, quinolinic acid and tranilast). The method of the present invention is useful, inter alia, in the treatment and/or prophylaxis of conditions characterised by aberrant, unwanted or otherwise inappropriate B cell functioning such as antibody production, autoimmune conditions and B cell proliferation and neoplasias. In a related aspect, the present invention is directed to a method of therapeutically and/or prophylactically treating rheumatoid arthritis via the administration of the above-mentioned compounds.