Methods For Treating Autoimmune Diseases And Transplantation Rejection
Description of Invention:
Methods for treating autoimmune diseases by suppressing the expression of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules by administering either methimazole, methimazole derivatives, carbimazole, propylthiouracil, thionamides, thiourelylenes, thioureas, and thiourea derivatives. These compounds can be used to treat diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, juvenile diabetes, primary idiopathic myxedema, myasthenia gravis, scleroderma, De Quervains thyroiditis, systemic lupus erythematosus dermatomyositis, polyarteritis nodosa, and polymyositis. This invention also provides the means for inhibiting transplantation rejection in humans. Also provided are in vivo and in vitro means for assessing and developing drugs capable of suppressing the MHC class I molecules.
Inventors:
DS Singer (NCI) LD Kohn (NIDDK) E Mozes (NCI) M Saji (NIDDK)
Patent Status:
DHHS Reference No. E-068-1993/0 --
U.S. Patent 5,556,754 issued 17 Sep 1996
U.S. Patent 5,871,950 issued 16 Feb 1999
For Additional Information Please Contact: Tara L. Kirby Ph.D.
NIH Office of Technology Transfer
6011 Executive Blvd, Suite 325
Rockville, MD 20852-3804
Phone: (301)435-4426
Email: tarak@mail.nih.gov
Fax: (301)402-0220
