The United States of America, as Represented by the Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services

University of Pennsylvania

The United States of America as Represented by the Department of Health

Ronald E Gress

Carl H June

Bruce L Levine

Daniel H Fowler

Unsu Jung

Gene M Shearer

Mario S Clerici

Charles S Via

Philip J Lucas

Methods for generating highly enriched Th1/Tc1 and Th2/Tc2 functions are described. In particular, the generation of these functions are attained by the addition of an immune suppression drug, rapamycin or a rapamycin derivative compound. In addition to enhanced purity of T cell function, the T cells generated in rapamycin also express molecules that improve immune T cell function such as CD28 and CD62L. Such rapamycin generated functional T cell subsets may have application in the prevention or treatment of GVHD after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, the treatment of autoimmunity, or the therapy of infection or cancer.

Rapamycin-resistant T cells and therapeutic uses thereof

A sensitive and accurate tissue culture system and kit for detecting subtle changes in immune function is provided. The system is based on the comparison of IL-2 production by T helper cells in response to recall antigens including influenza A virus, tatanus toxoid, alloantigens, mouse xenogeneic antigens and the like or combinations thereof. Different stages of immune dysfunction can be differentiated and organ graft rejection can be predicted by the method of the present invention.

Method for detecting immune system dysfunction in asymptomatic,

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Gaithersburg, MD, United States of America

Ronald E Gress