Patent attributes
The present invention relates to methods for the modulation of immune responses. More particularly, the invention relates to methods and uses of leptin for immuno-modulation of the balance between the Th1/Th2 responses and for the treatment of immune-related disorders. Specifically, the methods of the invention comprise shifting the Th1/Th2 cell balance towards the proinflammatory state. This modulation of the cell balance may be performed by increasing the activity and/or the expression of leptin in said subject, for instance by raising the amount of leptin. The amount of leptin in a subject may be increased by activating immunoregulatory cells, administering an immunomodulatory amount of leptin or a homologue, derivative, or functional fragment of leptin.
