| abstract |
Activation by CD40 ligand of smooth muscle cells bearing CD40 on the surface of the cells is inhibited in vivo and ex vivo by contacting the cells with an antibody, Fab or a single chain antibody. A specific monoclonal antibody capable of this inhibition is 5c8 (ATCC Accession No. HB 10916) and the cells include esophageal, stomachic and intestine smooth muscle cells. The antibody, Fab or single chain antibody is used in the preparation of a medicament for treating smooth muscle cell-dependent diseases, particularly inflammatory bowel disease, scleroderma, esophageal dysmotility, artherosclerosis, ischemic cardiomyopathy and transplant associated coronary artery disease. |