| abstract |
Methods for modulating immune responses, such as IgE responses and autoimmune responses, are provided. The methods involve contacting a cell with an agent comprising multivalent lacto-N-neotetraose (LNnT), which modulates an immune response. The methods are useful for enhancing production of non-specific polyclonal IgE, inhibiting production of antigen-specific IgE responses, inducing cytokine production, and stimulating proliferation of splenocytes. In a preferred embodiment, the invention provides methods for modulating an immune response to an antigen (e.g., an allergan) in vivo. Pharmaceutical compositions for modulating immune responses comprising the agents of the invention are also provided. The invention also provides for treatment or prevention of shock in a subject using multivalent LNnT and methods for treating an autoimmune disease in a subject using multivalent LNnT. Still further the invention provides for treatment of cancer in a subject using monovalent LNnT. |