Methods of identifying compounds useful for treating autoimmune diseases

摘要

Disclosed are methods of identifying compounds which inhibit transcription activation by CIITA and thus inhibit MHC class II gene expression. Such compounds can affect the induction of an immune response. The methods employ, independently, the activation and interactions domains of CIITA. The methods also employ the activation and interaction domains of isotype-specific CIITA proteins, allowing for the identification of compounds which are isotype-specific inhibitors of transcription and which are useful for selectively affecting the immune system.