| abstract |
A method of providing a reproducible and clinically relevant disease activity measurement for a group of immunologic disorders that share features of a T “helper” 1 (Th1) immune activation phenotype is disclosed. Th1 responses are characterized by the release of a set of pro-inflammatory substances by white blood cells (WBC) By evaluating the ex vivo activation response of whole blood in terms of the extent of release of Th1 produced pro-inflammatory substances in blood (i.e., WBC activity) following activation with a Th1-associated stimulant, the level of, e.g., disease activity or immunosuppression in a specific individual can be determined. The method of the invention provides a disease activity marker for a wide variety of Th1 inflammatory responses, including Crohn's Disease, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), multiple sclerosis and solid organ transplant rejection. |