Methods for identifying antibodies and peptides useful in the treatment of septic shock and experimental arthritis and uses thereof

摘要

The present invention teaches the use of antibodies raised against the Group A mucopeptide for the treatment of septic shock and Rheumatoid Arthritis, and the identification of specific peptides that can be used in such treatments. The invention includes methods of using the antibodies raised against the Group A mucopeptide including as a means identifying specific peptides, the specificpeptides themselves, and methods of using the peptides. In certain embodiments, the specific peptides serve as mimics to these antibodies. Such peptides can be administered to an animal subject to block the microbial action that initiates Rheumatoid Arthritis via tumor necrosis factor. Alternatively, specific peptides of the present invention can be used to immunize Rheumatoid Arthritis-susceptible individuals to prevent further progression of the diseases. In still other embodiments, the peptides serve as binding partners for these antibodies.