Method of preventing and treating type 1 diabetes, allograft rejection and lung fibrosis (by targeting the atp/p2x7r axis)

Abstract

The present invention relates to the role of purinergic receptors and ATP in T cell activation and autocrine system signaling. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of preventing or treating diabetes by administering a therapeutically effective inhibitor of ATP to a subject. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of preventing or treating fibrosis by administering a P2X7R soluble fusion protein. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of preventing or treating graft rejection by administering an inhibitor of P2X receptor signaling.

1 . A method of treating type 1 diabetes in a subject, comprising:
 providing an inhibitor of ATP signaling; and   administering a therapeutically effective dosage of the inhibitor to the subject.   
     
     
         2 .- 19 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A composition, comprising:
 a P2X7R-Ig fusion protein; and   a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.   
     
     
         22 .- 40 . (canceled) 
     
     
         41 . A method of treating lung fibrosis in a subject, the method comprising administering a therapeutically effective dosage of an inhibitor of ATP signaling to the subject. 
     
     
         42 .- 49 . (canceled)