Selective elimination of T cells that recognize specific preselected targets

摘要

PCT No. PCT/US96/13873 Sec. 371 Date Jun. 2, 1998 Sec. 102(e) Date Jun. 2, 1998 PCT Filed Aug. 29, 1996 PCT Pub. No. WO97/08328 PCT Pub. Date Mar. 6, 1997This invention provides compositions and methods for the elimination of T cells that recognize specific preselected targets. The methods involve providing killer cells (e.g. natural killer cells or cytotoxic T lymphocytes) having a T cell receptor in which the zeta chain is joined to the antigen target of the T cell population it is desired to eliminate. Recognition of the antigen target activates the killer cell thereby inhibiting or destroying the T cell. Where the antigen target is the extracellular domain of a major histocompatibility complex, the method provides a means of mitigating graft rejection or an autoimmune response.