Inventors:
Collin J. Weber - Atlanta GA, US
Mary K. Hagler - Loganville GA, US
Peter S. Linsley - Seattle WA, US
Judith A. Kapp - Atlanta GA, US
Susan A. Safley - Decatur GA, US
Assignee:
Emory University - Atlanta GA
Bristol Myers-Squibb Company - New York NY
International Classification:
A61K 38/00
US Classification:
514 2, 4241561, 4241371, 4241411, 424 937, 424812, 530350
Abstract:
This invention provides a method of inhibiting viable cells transplanted into a subject from being destroyed by the subject's immune system which comprises: a) containing the viable cells, or tissue comprising the viable cells, prior to transplantation within a device comprising a semipermeable membrane; and b) treating the subject with a substance which inhibits an immune-system costimulation event in an amount effective to inhibit the subject's immune system from responding to said contained cells or tissue. In one embodiment, the substance which inhibits an immune-system costimulation event is CTLA4. Also provided by this invention is a method of treating diabetes in a subject which comprises: a) containing viable insulin-producing cells, or tissue comprising such cells, within a device comprising a semipermeable membrane; b) transplanting an effective amount of such contained viable insulin-producing cells into the subject; and c) treating the subject with an effective amount of a substance which inhibits an immune-system costimulation event.