EDUCATED NKT CELLS AND THEIR USES IN THE TREATMENT OF IMMUNE-RELATED DISORDERS

摘要

The present invention relates to a method for the treatment of immune-relate d or immune-mediated disorders in a mammalian subject in need of such treatmen t. This method comprises the step of manipulating the NKT cell population in sa id subject by suitable means, said manipulation of the NKT cell population resulting in modulation of the Th1/Th2 balance toward anti-inflammatory cytokine producing cells. Manipulation of the NKT cell population may be performed either by depletion of said cells by a suitable means or alternatively by ex vivo education of the NKT cells, such that the educated NKT cells have the capability to modulate the Th1/Th2 balance toward anti- inflammatory cytokine producing cells. The invention further relates to pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of immune-related or immune- mediated disorders in a mammalian subject. These compositions comprising as an effective ingredient an ex vivo educated NKT cell. The invention further provides for an ex vivo educated NKT cell and uses thereof in the treatment of immune-related or immune-mediated disorders.