| Abstract: | Methods and compositions for modulating interleukin-21 (IL-21)/IL-21 receptor (MU-1) activity using agonists or antagonists of IL-21 or IL-21 receptor (\"IL-21R\" or \"MU-1\"), are disclosed. IL-21/IL-21R antagonists can be used to induce immune suppression in vivo, e.g., for treating or preventing immune cell-associated pathologies (e.g., pathologies associated with aberrant activity of one or more of mature T cells (mature CD8+, mature CD4+ T cells), mature NK cells, B cells, macrophages and megakaryocytes, including transplant rejection and autoimmune disorders). IL-21/IL-21R agonists can be used by themselves or in combination with an antigen, e.g., as an adjuvant (e.g., a vaccine adjuvant), to up-regulate an immune response in vivo, e.g., for example, for use in treating cancer and infectious disorders. |
| Inventor(s): | Carter; Laura (Medford, MA), Carreno; Beatriz (Acton, MA), Lowe; Leslie D. (Sudbury, MA), Whitters; Matthew J. (Hudson, MA), Dunussi; Kyri (Belmont, MA), Collins; Mary (Natick, MA), Ma; Margery (W. Roxbury, MA), Young; Deborah A. (Melrose, MA), Witek; JoAnn S. (Acton, MA), Larsen; Glenn (Sudbury, MA), Kasaian; Marion T. (Charlestown, MA), Donaldson; Debra D. (Medford, MA), Unger; Michelle (Chapel Hill, NC) |
