| abstract |
The present invention relates to a disease wherein an increase in the number of regulatory T cells (Tregs) is beneficial by administering to a subject suffering from a disease or disorder a therapeutically effective amount of a Dll4 antagonist that increases the number of Tregs by blocking the Dll4-Notch signal pathway. Or a method of treating a disorder. Diseases or disorders that can be treated by the methods of the invention include autoimmune diseases or disorders such as multiple sclerosis (MS), diabetes, and the like. Dll4 antagonists suitable for the present invention include antibodies or antibody fragments thereof that specifically bind to Dll4 and block Dll4-Notch interaction, the extracellular domain of Dll4, and the like. The present invention also provides a method of preventing the onset or recurrence of such a disease or disorder in a subject who is prone to or may be sensitive to the disease or disorder. In addition, the methods of the invention are useful for preventing or treating organ transplant rejection or graft-versus-host disease. |