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Abstract

The present invention relates generally to a method for regulating immune reactions and test substances useful for same. Specifically, the method of the present invention relates to the modulation of the nerve growth factor receptor p75^NTR, which is expressed by plasmacytoid dendritic cells. More specifically, the invention relates to a combination comprising at least one modulator of p75^NTR signalling selected from a p75^NTR antagonist or p75^NTR agonist and at least one TLR receptor agonist selected from an agonist of TLR7 and/or TLR9. The invention further relates to the use of a combination of antagonists and agonists of p75^NTR signalling and agonists of TLR7 and/or TLR9 as vaccine adjuvants and the invention provides vaccine compositions comprising antagonists and agonists of p75^NTR signalling and agonists of TLR7 and/or TLR9. The agonists and antagonists of p75^NTR signalling are useful in the manufacture of drugs for controlling cytokine function, antigen presentation, activation and proliferation of lymphocytes, which is important for the treatment of a range of conditions including cancer, inflammatory conditions, immunological disorders, growth disorders, infections and any other conditions involving p75^NTR signal transduction. The invention provides assays to screen for a range of agonists and antagonists of p75^NTR useful in modulating cytokine function, activation and proliferation of lymphocytes. The present invention further provides, therefore, screening assays for agonists and antagonists of p75NTR-modulated immune responses.

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First Claim