METHODS FOR MODULATING T CELL UNRESPONSIVENESS

摘要

Methods for modulating antigen-specific T cell unresponsiveness which involve inhibiting or stimulating an unresponsive T cell through a cell surface receptor, CD2, are disclosed. Agents which inhibit stimulation of an unresponsive T cell through a CD2 surface receptor are useful therapeutically in situations where it is desirable to inhibit an immune response to an antigen(s), for example in organ or bone marrow transplantation and autoimmune diseases. Methods for reversing T cell unresponsiveness by contacting the T cell with an agent which stimulates the T cell through a CD2 surface receptor are useful therapeutically to stimulate an immune response to an antigen(s). For example, the method is useful to stimulate an anti-tumor response in a subject with a tumor or stimulate a response against a pathogenic agent or increase the efficacy of vaccination.