Katholieke Universiteit Nijmegen (Nijmegen, Netherlands) has
patented use of a compound that binds to a C-type lectin on the surface
of a dendritic cell, in the preparation of a composition for modulating,
in particular reducing, the immune response in an animal, in particular
a human or another mammal. The composition in particular modulates the
interactions between a dendritic cell and a T-cell, more specifically
between a C-type lectin on the surface of a dendritic cell and an ICAM
receptor on the surface of a T-cell. The compositions can be used for
preventing/inhibiting immune responses to specific antigens, for
inducing tolerance, for immunotherapy, for immunosuppression, for the
treatment of autoimmune diseases, and the treatment of allergy. The
compound that binds to a C-type lectin is preferably chosen from
mannose, fucose, plant lectins, antibiotics, sugars, proteins or
antibodies against C-type lectins. The invention also relates to such
antibodies. (US 7,285,642)
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