Immunomodulating tumor necrosis factor receptor 25 (tnfr25) agonists, antagonists and immunotoxins

Abstract

It is an object of the invention to provide novel compositions and methods utilizing immunomodulating agents that can either stimulate or indirectly augment the immune system or in other cases have an immunosuppressive effect. TNFR25 agonists disclosed herein have an anti-inflammatory and healing effect. They can be used, among other things, to treat disease caused by asthma and chronic inflammation such as for example inflammatory bowel diseases including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's Disease. TNFR25 antagonists disclosed herein are capable of inhibiting CD8 T cell-mediated cellular immune responses and can for example, mitigate organ or tissue rejection following a tissue transplantation. TNFR25 agonists disclosed herein represent biological response modifiers that alter the interaction between the body's cellular immune defenses and cancer cells to boost, direct, or restore the body's ability to fight the cancer when given with tumor vaccines. TNFR25 specific immunotoxins disclosed herein are also capable of increasing the effectiveness of a chemotherapeutic regimen by depleting a cancer patient of naturally occurring immunosuppressive cells.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . A method for inhibiting antigen-induced CD8 T cell expansion in a mammalian subject, the method comprising the step of administering to the subject a TNFR25 antagonist in an amount effective to inhibit antigen-induced CD8 T cell expansion in the subject. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the TNFR25 antagonist is an antibody. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the antibody is a monoclonal antibody that specifically binds TNFR25 but is not agonistic for TNFR25. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the antigen-induced CD8 T cell expansion contributes to inflammation of the subject's airway.