Description of Invention:
Dendritic cells represent a heterogeneous population of antigen-presenting cells that initiate primary immune responses by activating naïve T cells and subsequently the effector cells of the adaptive immune system. Accordingly, dendritic cells play an essential role in such conditions as autoimmune diseases, graft rejection, human immunodeficiency virus infection and the generation of T cell-dependent antibodies. The Chinese herb Tripterygium Wilfordii Hook F (TWHF) has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. A major active component isolated from TWHF is triptolide and it suppresses T lymphocyte activation.
The present invention relates to compositions and methods for inhibiting the activation of dendritic cells. The methods are useful for therapies related to conditions mediated by the activation of dendritic cells with an effective amount of a composition comprising triptolide or analog or derivative thereof, thereby inhibiting activation of dendritic cells.
Inventors:
Xin Chen et al. (NCI)
Patent Status:
DHHS Reference No. E-358-2004/0-US-01 -- U.S. Provisional Application 60/638,640 filed 22 Dec 2004 Licensing Status:
In addition to licensing, the technology is available for further development through collaborative research opportunities with the inventors.
For Additional Information Please Contact: Fatima Sayyid M.H.P.M.
NIH Office of Technology Transfer
6011 Executive Blvd, Suite 325
Rockville, MD 20852-3804
Phone: (301) 435-4521
Email: sayyidf@mail.nih.gov
Fax: (301) 402-0220
