Abstract:
Method for modulating responsiveness to corticosteroids in a subject are provided. In the method of the invention, an agent which antagonizes a target that regulates production of IFN- gamma in the subject is administered to the subject in combination with a corticosteroid such that responsiveness of the subject to the corticosteroid is modulated as compared to when a corticosteroid alone is administered to the subject. In one embodiment, the agent is an IL-18 antagonist. In another embodiment, the agent is an interleukin-12 (IL-12) antagonist. In yet another embodiment, the agent is an NK cell antagonist. In a preferred embodiment, the agent is an inhibitor of a caspase family protease, preferably an ICE inhibitor. In another preferred embodiment, the agent is an anti-IL-12 monoclonal antibody. In yet another preferred embodiment, the agent is an anti-asialo-GM1 antibody or an NK1.1 antibody. Other preferred agents include phosphodiesterase IV inhibitors and beta-2 agonists. The methods of the invention can be used in the treatment of a variety of inflammatory and immunological diseases and disorders. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising an agent which antagonizes a target that regulates production of IFN- gamma in a subject, a corticosteroid and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier are also provided. A preferred composition comprises an ICE inhibitor, a corticosteroid and a pharmaceuticaly acceptable carrier.
Abstract:
Method for modulating responsiveness to corticosteroids in a subjet are provided. In the method of the invention, an agent which antagonizes a target that regulates production of IFN- gamma in the subject is administered to the subject in combination with a corticosteroid such that responsiveness of the subject to the corticosteroid is modulated as compared to when a corticosteroid alone is administered to the subject. In one embodiment, the agent is an IL-18 antagonist. In another embodiment, the agent is an interleukin-12 (IL-12) antagonist. In yet another embodiment, the agent is an NK cell antagonist. In a preferred embodiment, the agent is an inhibitor of a caspase family protease, preferably an ICE inhibitor. In another preferred embodiment, the agent is an anti-IL-12 monoclonal antibody. In yet another preferred embodiment, the agent is an anti-asialo-GM1 antibody or an NK1.1 antibody. Other preferred agents include phosphodiesterase IV inhibitors and beta-2 agonists. The methods of the invention can be used in the treatment of a variety of inflammatory and immunological diseases and disorders. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising an agent which antagonizes a target that regulates production of IFN- gamma in a subject, a corticosteroid and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier are also provided. A preferred composition comprises an ICE inhibitor, a corticosteroid and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
Abstract:
The present invention provides compositions and methods for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in a subject wherein one or more compounds of Formula I as defined herein alone or in combination with one or more other antiarthritic drugs provide suppression of rheumatoid arthritis.
Abstract:
The present invention provides compositions and methods for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in a subject wherein one or more compounds of Formula I as defined herein alone or in combination with one or more other antiarthritic drugs provide suppression of rheumatoid arthritis.
Abstract:
Method for modulating responsiveness to corticosteroids in a subjet are provided. In the method of the invention, an agent which antagonizes a target that regulates production of IFN- gamma in the subject is administered to the subject in combination with a corticosteroid such that responsiveness of the subject to the corticosteroid is modulated as compared to when a corticosteroid alone is administered to the subject. In one embodiment, the agent is an IL-18 antagonist. In another embodiment, the agent is an interleukin-12 (IL-12) antagonist. In yet another embodiment, the agent is an NK cell antagonist. In a preferred embodiment, the agent is an inhibitor of a caspase family protease, preferably an ICE inhibitor. In another preferred embodiment, the agent is an anti-IL-12 monoclonal antibody. In yet another preferred embodiment, the agent is an anti-asialo-GM1 antibody or an NK1.1 antibody. Other preferred agents include phosphodiesterase IV inhibitors and beta-2 agonists. The methods of the invention can be used in the treatment of a variety of inflammatory and immunological diseases and disorders. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising an agent which antagonizes a target that regulates production of IFN- gamma in a subject, a corticosteroid and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier are also provided. A preferred composition comprises an ICE inhibitor, a corticosteroid and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
Abstract:
The present invention provides compositions and methods for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in a subject wherein one or more compounds of Formula I as defined herein alone or in combination with one or more other antiarthritic drugs provide suppression of rheumatoid arthritis.
Abstract:
Method for modulating responsiveness to corticosteroids in a subjet are provided. In the method of the invention, an agent which antagonizes a target that regulates production of IFN- gamma in the subject is administered to the subject in combination with a corticosteroid such that responsiveness of the subject to the corticosteroid is modulated as compared to when a corticosteroid alone is administered to the subject. In one embodiment, the agent is an IL-18 antagonist. In another embodiment, the agent is an interleukin-12 (IL-12) antagonist. In yet another embodiment, the agent is an NK cell antagonist. In a preferred embodiment, the agent is an inhibitor of a caspase family protease, preferably an ICE inhibitor. In another preferred embodiment, the agent is an anti-IL-12 monoclonal antibody. In yet another preferred embodiment, the agent is an anti-asialo-GM1 antibody or an NK1.1 antibody. Other preferred agents include phosphodiesterase IV inhibitors and beta-2 agonists. The methods of the invention can be used in the treatment of a variety of inflammatory and immunological diseases and disorders. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising an agent which antagonizes a target that regulates production of IFN- gamma in a subject, a corticosteroid and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier are also provided. A preferred composition comprises an ICE inhibitor, a corticosteroid and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
Abstract:
A transgenic nonhuman animal having somatic and germ cells in which at least one allele of an endogenous interleukin-1.beta. converting enzyme (ICE) gene is functionally disrupted is provided. The animal may be heterozygous or, mo re preferably, homozygous for the ICE gene disruption and is preferably a mouse . In homozygous animals, secretion of mature interleukin-1.beta. and interleuk in- 1.alpha. is substantially reduced relative to non-mutant animals. The animal s of the invention can be used as positive controls to evaluate the efficacy o f ICE inhibitors and to identify disease conditions that can be treated with I CE inhibitors. A transgenic nonhuman animal having functionally disrupted endogenous ICE genes but which has been reconstituted with a human ICE gene is also provided. This animal can be used to identify agents that inhibit human ICE in vivo. Nucleic acid constructs for functionally disrupting an endogeno us ICE gene in a host cell, recombinant vectors including the nucleic acid construct, and host cells into which the nucleic acid construct has been introduced are also encompassed by the invention.