USE OF AN INHIBITOR OF AN IMMUNE SYSTEM COSTIMULATION EVENT FOR THE PREPARATION OF A MEDICAMENT INHIBITING THE IMMUNE SYSTEM DESTRUCTION OF TRANSPLANTED VIABLE NON-EMBRYONIC CELLS

摘要

This invention provides a method of inhibiting viable cells transplanted into a subject from being destroyed by the subject's immune system which comprises: a) containing the viable cells, or tissue comprising the viable cells, prior to transplantation within a device comprising a semipermeable membrane; and b) treating the subject with a substance which inhibits an immune system costimulation event in an amount effective to inhibit the subject's immune sytem from responding to said contained cells or tissue. In one embodiment, the substance which inhibits an immune system costimulation event is CTLA4. Also provided by this invention is a method of treating diabetes in a subject which comprises: a) containing viable insulin-producing cells, or tissue comprising such cells, within a device comprising a semipermeable membrane; b) transplanting an effective amount of such contained viable insulin-producing cells into the subject; and c) treating the subject with an effective amount of a substance which inhibits an immune system costimulation event.