A1 adenosine receptor antagonist for preventing and treating tissue injury and sepsis associated with yersinia pestis infection

摘要

Methods for treating and preventing tissue injury and sepsis associated with a Yersinia pestis infection, particularly pneumonic plague, are provided. The methods of the invention comprise administering to a subject a therapeutically effective amount of an A₁ adenosine receptor antagonist alone or in combination with at least one additional therapeutic agent, including an antibiotic agent. The present methods find use in biodefense as a means of preventing and treating tissue injury and sepsis associated with Y. pestis infection, particularly pneumonic plague, in the event of a bioterrorist attack with this deadly bacterium.