Inhibition of b-1 cell mediated immune conditions

摘要

This invention relates to methods of identifying agents that can inhibit delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) reactions within the first few hours of exposure to an antigen or allergen that can trigger a DTH response. The invention also discloses methods of preventing DTH and contact sensitivity (CS) responses by preventing activation of the classical complement cascade through the modulation of IgM antibodies which are synthesized by B-1 (CD5+) type B cells. The invention also discloses methods of identifying agents that inhibit the hypersensitivity response by inhibiting production of the B-1 cell DTH-initiating IgM antibody, or by inhibiting DTH-initiating IgM antibody activation of the classical complement cascade.