Screening method for the identification of agents capable of activating CD4+CD25+ regulatory T-cells through interactions with the HIV-1 GP120 binding site on CD4

Abstract

The present invention relates specific activation of a regulatory T cell via a specific CD4 epitope and uses thereof, e.g. for the treatment of an autoimmune disease or an allergy or asthma or graft rejection or tolerance induction.

1 . A method of treating an autoimmune inflammatory disease comprising: administering to an individual in need thereof, a CD4+CD25+ Treg cell activator which activates CD4+CD25+ Treg cells via interaction with the CD4+CD25+ Treg cell epitope as set forth in SEQ ID NO:1, wherein said CD4+CD25+ Treg cell activator is a HIV-1 gp120. 
     
     
         2 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the HIV-1 gp120 is HIV-1 gp120 CM comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO.: 4, HIV-1 gp120 LAV comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO.: 5, or HIV-1 gp120 MN comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO.: 6. 
     
     
         3 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said autoimmune inflammatory disease is multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, or psoriasis.