A METHOD OF PROPHYLAXIS AND TREATMENT

摘要

The present invention relates generally to a method of prophylaxis and treatment of autoimmune disease conditions and agents useful for same. In a related embodiment, the present invention contemplates the use of mucosal antigens and/or agents capable of blocking or otherwise delaying cytotoxic T - lymphocyte (CTL) induction and/or maturation to prevent or at least reduce t he likelihood or risk of CTL-mediated autoimmune disease. More particularly, th e present invention contemplates mucosa-mediated tolerance to protect against or ameliorate the symptoms associated with autoimmune pathology. Even more particularly, the present invention provides a method for preventing clinica l insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) or preventing or reducing or ameliorating the effects of clinical IDDM by the aerosol administration of IDDM-associated autoantigens to mucosal surfaces or agents which block CTL induction and/or maturation.