Methods and compositions for inhibiting the regulation of T cell costimulatory pathways by pathogens

摘要

The invention relates to methods and compositions for the inhibition of modulation of T cell costimulatory pathway by a pathogenic agent. More particularly, the invention relates to the inhibition of activation of a T cell costimulatory pathway, preferably, the CD28/B7 pathway, by a pyrogenic exotoxin. The method of the invention is based on the inhibition of the direct interaction of a superantigen with a specific site within the dimer interface of a CD28 family member, using immunomodulatory peptides. The invention further provides specific antagonist immunomodulatory peptides comprising an amino acid sequence derived from a dimer interface of a T cell costimulatory pathway member. Alternatively, said peptide comprises an amino acid sequence which specifically binds to an amino acid sequence within the dimer interface of a T cell costimulatory pathway member. Compositions comprising said peptides and methods for the treatment of immune-related disorders are also provided by the invention.