| abstract |
Methods for inhibiting antigen-specific T cell responses by use of an agent which inhibits a costimulatory signal in T cells are disclosed. Preferably, both a first agent which inhibits a costimulatory signal in the T cell (e.g., a CTLA4Ig fusion protein) and a second agent which inhibits another T cell function, such as adhesion of the T cell to a cell presenting antigen to the T cell, are used to inhibit antigen-specific T cell responses. For example, to inhibit adhesion of a T cell to a cell presenting antigen, an anti-LFA-1 antibody can be used in conjunction with a CTLA4Ig fusion protein. Alternatively, another agent which inhibits a costimulatory signal in T cells, such as an anti-B7-1 antibody or an anti-B7-2 antibody can be used with a second agent which inhibits a proliferative signal in the T cell e.g., an anti-IL-2 receptor antibody. The methods of the invention are particularly useful for inhibiting graft versus host disease and for inhibiting rejection of a transplanted tissue or organ. |