US Patent:
20040265790, Dec 30, 2004
Inventors:
Michael Cooke - Del Mar CA, US
Karsten Sauer - San Diego CA, US
Tim Wiltshire - Encinitas CA, US
Lisa Tarantino - Encinitas CA, US
Colin Fletcher - Del Mar CA, US
Ben Wen - Encinitas CA, US
Assignee:
IRM LLC, a Delaware Limited Liability Company - Hamilton
International Classification:
C12Q001/00
C12Q001/68
G01N033/53
G01N033/567
US Classification:
435/004000, 435/006000, 435/007200
Abstract:
This invention provides novel methods and compositions for modulating T cell differentiation and T cell responses. The modulators are identified by screening test compounds for ability to modulate an inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate 3-kinase (IP3K). The IP3K modulators can be further examined for their activity in modulating development of progenitor T cells (e.g., CD4/CD8 double positive T cells) into mature CD4 or CD8 single positive T cells. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising these T cell modulators can be administered to a subject to modulate T cell immune responses, to suppress inflammations, and to treat disease conditions such as autoimmune diseases, graft rejection or allergies.