MODULATION OF DELETERIOUS EFFECTS OF TUMOR MECROSIS FACTOR AND INTERLEUKIN-I

摘要

This invention relates to methods for modulating the effects of TNF and IL-1, both the deleterious and the therapeutical effect of these cytokines. In case of deleterious effects, the invention provides methods for modulating the deleterious effect of TNF and/or IL-1 in mammals, by administering to a mammal sub-deleterious amounts of TNF and/or IL-1. The TNF and/or IL-1 to be modulated may be endogenous, i.e. generated in the organism in severe cases in amounts deleterious to the organism, or exogenously administered to a patient in amounts which are potentially deleterious. The compositions of the invention comprise effective amounts of TNF and/or IL-1 with at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The invention also relates to methods for monitoring the modulation of the TNF effect in patients treated with TNF and/or IL-1.