Use of a promoter of T-cell expansion and an inducer of CD40 stimulation in the treatment or prevention of a pathologic state

US7175838B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignees

• The United States of America represented by the Department of Health and Human Services · US
• Regents of the University of Minnesota · US
• Chiron Corporation · US

Inventors

• William Murphy · Reno, US
• Robert Wiltrout · Woodsboro, US
• Bruce R. Blazar · Golden Valley, US
• Susan Wilson · Burnaby, CA

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 23, 2002
• Grant date: Feb 13, 2007
• Expiry date: Dec 2, 2023

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61K2039/505
• WIPO field: Pharmaceuticals
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

The invention provides a method of treating or preventing a pathologic state in a mammal. The method comprises administering to the mammal a promoter of T-cell expansion and an inducer of CD40 stimulation, wherein CD40 is stimulated on cells of the immune system. The promoter of T-cell expansion and inducer of CD40 stimulation are administered in synergistically effective amounts to treat or prevent the pathologic state in the mammal. The invention also provides a method of assessing the effectiveness of treatment of a pathologic state in a mammal, wherein the mammal has been administered a promoter of T-cell expansion and an inducer of CD40 stimulation, wherein CD40 is stimulated on cells of the immune system. The method comprises measuring the level of at least one antibody in a test sample obtained from the mammal, which at least one antibody is specific for an antigen that is known to be associated with the pathologic state, and wherein the level of the at least one antibody is indicative of the effectiveness of treatment of the pathologic state in the mammal.