Medical College of Ohio

Genetics Institute, Inc.

Dennis W Metzger

Renee M Buchanan

Victor H Van Cleave

Bernard P Arulanandam

The present invention relates to a method of modulating an immune response to a T-cell or thymus independent antigen in a host (e.g., mammalian, including human), comprising administering to the host an effective amount of interleukin-12 (IL-12) and the T-cell independent antigen. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of inducing an immune response to a TI antigen in a host (e.g., mammalian, including human), which comprises administering to the host an effective amount of interleukin-12 (IL-12) and the TI antigen. In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of enhancing an immune response against a TI antigen in a host, which comprises administering to the host an effective amount of IL-12 and the TI antigen. The methods of the present invention can be used, for example, to induce and or enhance a humoral immune response (IgG2a and/or IgG3 humoral immune response).

IL-12 enhancement of immune responses to T-independent antigens

The present invention relates to a method of inducing a Th1-like response against a pathogen in a neonatal host, which comprises administering to the neonatal host an effective amount of IL-12 and an antigen of the pathogen. Also encompassed by the present invention is a method of overcoming suppression of interferon-.gamma. (IFN-.gamma.) expression in a neonatal host due to exposure of the neonatal host to a pathogen or an antigen, which comprises administering to the neonatal host an effective amount of IL-12 and the antigen. The present invention also relates to a method of enhancing the cytokine expression against or in response to a pathogen in a neonatal host, which comprises administering to the neonatal host an effective amount of IL-12 and an antigen of the pathogen.

IL-12 Stimulation of Neonatal immunity

The invention relates to a method of suppressing B1 cell activity in a host (e.g., mammalian, including human) comprising administering to the host an effective amount of IL-12 that significantly suppresses or inhibits B1 cell activity. In addition, the invention relates to a method of treating a B1 cell disorder in a host, comprising administering to the host an effective therapeutic amount of IL-12. The invention further encompasses a method of screening for substances (e.g., proteins, peptides, small molecules) which enhance or suppress the inhibition of B1 cell activity by IL-12. The invention also relates to a substance identified by the methods of screening for a substance which enhances or suppresses IL-12 inhibition of B1 cell activity.

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Sylvania, OH, United States of America

Dennis W Metzger