METHODS FOR DETECTING, IDENTIFYING, ISOLATING, AND SELECTIVELY LABELLING AND TARGETING TH1 LYMPHOCYTES BY MEANS OF THE LAG-3 PROTEIN

摘要

The lymphocyte activation gene (LAG-3) is a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily that is selectively transcribed in human activated T and NK cells. Surface LAG-3 expression correlated with IFN-.gamma. but not IL-4, production in antigen-stimulated T-cells and it was up-regulated by IL-12 and is preferentially associated with CD4+ T-cells producing Th1-type cytokines. The presence of LAG-3 on the surface of Th1 lymphocytes is used as a marker to detect and identify Th1 lymphocytes and differentiate them from Th2 lymphocytes. Monoclonal antibodies to LAG-3 are used in methods of detecting and isolating Th1 cells as well as methods of diagnosing Th1-mediated disease. The present invention also relates to methods of treating infectious diseases, cancer, and disorders associated with Th1/Th2 imbalance.