METHOD OF USING ZOT OR ZONULIN TO INHIBIT LYMPHOCYTE PROLIFERATION IN AN ANTIGEN-SPECIFIC MANNER

摘要

Methods for using Zot or zonulin as an antigen specific inhibitor of APC activity and lymphocyte proliferation, being primarily useful in the field of immunoregulation and immunotherapy are described. Specifically, Zot and zonulin inhibit antigen presenting cell-mediated antigen-specific lymphocyte proliferation in a dose dependent manner. This effect is associated with the presence of a macrophage surface receptor to which Zot binds in a specific and saturable way. This down-regulation of the immune response is, at least in part, associated with a decreased uptake of antigen.