Methods of modulating cytokine activity; related reagents

Abstract

Provided are methods of modulating cytokine activity, e.g., for the purpose of treating viral infections. Also provided are reagents for use in screening for agonists or antagonists of IL-23.

Description

field of invention

[0001] The present invention generally relates to the use of mammalian cytokines. More specifically, the present invention discloses the function of cytokines in the treatment of influenza virus. Background of the invention

[0002] The immune system protects individuals against infectious agents such as viruses, bacteria, multicellular organisms, and cancer. This system includes several types of lymphoid and myeloid cells such as monocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells (DC), eosinophils, T cells, B cells and neutrophils. These lymphoid and myeloid cells tend to produce signaling proteins called cytokines. The immune response involves inflammation, the accumulation of immune cells throughout the body or in specific locations on the body. In response to infectious agents or foreign substances, immune cells secrete cytokines, which in turn regulate immune cell proliferation, development, differentiation, or migration. Cytokines ...