Inhibition of Antigen Presentation with Poorly Catabolized Polymers

Abstract

Methods to prevent the rejection of immunogenic tissues in an animal by administering a non-immunogenic, poorly catabolized molecule in an amount sufficient to inhibit an immune response are described herein. Also described are compositions that are useful for inhibiting immune responses in animals that are recipients of cellular transplants. For example, these methods and compositions can be used to prevent the rejection of xenografted and allografted tissues in an animal.

1 . A pharmaceutical composition comprising a poorly catabolized polymer wherein said poorly catabolized polymer is used to inhibit the presentation of at least one antigen to the immune system of an animal. 
     
     
         2 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 1 , wherein said poorly catabolized polymer comprises a dextran solution. 
     
     
         3 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 1 , wherein the antigen comprises a cell. 
     
     
         4 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 1 , wherein said poorly catabolized polymer is dextran.