The invention encompasses a method of down-regulating a
T cell-mediated immune response, through activation or
T cell receptor (TCR) stimulation of
antigen-primed T cells in the presence of alpha-
melanocyte stimulating
hormone (α-MSH), which may be optionally enhanced by adding
transforming growth factor-β2 (TGF-β2) approximately 4-6 hours after the start of the primed T cells'
exposure to α-MSH. Activation of the primed T cells may be mediated by presentation of the specific
antigen to the primed T cells, or by an anti-TCR
antibody or a
T cell mitogen. As a result of the α-MSH treatment modulating the T
cell activation,
antigen-specific, regulatory, CD4+ / CD25+ T cells are generated that produce
transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and can non-specifically down-regulate Th1-mediated inflammatory activities. The method may be used to down-regulate or suppress an
autoimmune condition or a
graft rejection in a
transplant patient. The invention also encompasses a kit for generating
regulatory T cell comprising a specific antigen, α-MSH, and optionally, TGF-β2 and / or a T
cell culture medium. Also provided are
gene therapy treatments for suppressing an autoimmune or
graft rejection response, or for re-establishing autotolerance, by introducing genetic material (e.g.
nucleic acid) for expressing α-MSH or a
receptor-binding portion thereof, into a localized tissue site.