Hla-drb1 peptides with specific binding affinity for hla-dq molecules: prevention and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

摘要

Disclosed are transgenic mice carrying a human HLA-DQ transgene. The transgenic mice are deficient in mouse H-2 class II molecules. Such mice provide animal model systems to identify peptides useful for preventing or treating rheumatoid arthritis. Also disclosed are methods and materials for treating rheumatoid arthritis, including administration of peptides having specific binding affinity for HLA-DQ molecules expressed in a rheumatoid arthritis patient.