Ubiquitin and ubiquitin related molecules for treatment and prevention of harmful activation of the immune system

Abstract

Compositions and methods for suppressing the immune system of a mammal using ubiquitin and derivatives and analogs thereof.

1 . A method of treating or preventing a disease, sequelae or pathological condition mediated by an activation of the immune system in a mammal comprising administering to said mammal an effective amount of ubiquitin, or a fragment, analog or derivative thereof. 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein ubiquitin is administered. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the pathological condition is capillary leakage. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the pathological condition is pulmonary failure. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the pathological condition is endotoxic shock. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the amount is between 0.01 and 10 mg/kg body weight. 
     
     
         7 . A method of inducing immunosuppression in a mammal comprising administering to said mammal an effective amount of ubiquitin, or a fragment, analog or derivative thereof. 
     
     
         8 . A method of treating or preventing sepsis in a mammal comprising administering to said mammal an effective amount of ubiquitin, or a fragment, analog or derivative thereof. 
     
     
         9 - 16 . (canceled) 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 7  wherein ubiquitin is administered. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 7  wherein the amount is between 0.01 and 10 mg/kg body weight. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 8  wherein ubiquitin is administered. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 8  wherein the amount is between 0.01 and 10 mg/kg body weight.