Methods and uses of leptin in hepatocellular carcinoma

摘要

The present invention relates to methods for the modulation of immune responses. More particularly, the invention relates to methods and uses of leptin for immuno-modulation of the balance between the Th1/Th2 responses and for the treatment of immune-related disorders. Specifically, the methods of the invention comprise shifting the Th1/Th2 cell balance towards the proinflammatory state. This modulation of the cell balance may be performed by increasing the activity and/or the expression of leptin in said subject, for instance by raising the amount of leptin. The amount of leptin in a subject may be increased by activating immunoregulatory cells, administering an immunomodulatory amount of leptin or a homologue, derivative, or functional fragment of leptin.