Methods for Inducing Immune Tolerance By Inhibiting the Fas Pathway

Fas ligand ("FasL") is a protein with an activity to induce apoptosis of a Fas antigen ("Fas")-expressing cell. Apoptosis of the Fas antigen-expressing cells is believed to be induced by binding of FasL with Fas on the cell surface, which results in the transfer of an apoptosis signal to the cell via the Fas antigen. Natural loss-of-function mutations of FasL (gld) and Fas (lpr) that inhibit the function of Fas pathway prevent T cell-mediated autoimmune diseases. However, since inhibition of the Fas pathway is tightly associated with double negative T cell lymphoproliferation and lupus-like disease in animal models of human disease, the Fas pathway has not been considered a potential therapeutic target for autoimmune disorders in the past. JHU researchers have developed novel methods of modulating the Fas pathway for treating autoimmune disorders without causing immunopathology or immunosuppression. Description (Set) Proposed Use (Set) This invention provides methods for treating autoimmune disorders (such as diabetes, Multiple Sclerosis, and organ rejection associated with organ transplant) in which blockade of the Fas pathway ameliorates autoimmunity and/or induces tolerance

Inventor(s): Hamad, Abdel Rahim

Type of Offer: Licensing



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