GSJ: Received Jul. 8, 2007: http://wbabin.net/saba/saba84.htm

It is well known that certain oligonucleotides can enhance or suppress immune responses (1). For example CpG oligos are known to enhance immune responses, while polynucleotides containing telomeric sequences suppress immune responses.

It is also well known that UV radiation suppresses immune responses, and this has been reported to be associated with formation of Cyclobutane Pyrimidine Dimers (CBD) or 6-4 Photoproducts (6-4PPs).

A far as I have read, it is hypothesized that the immunosuppression by UV radiation is do to an intracellular signal given off by these cross-linked nucleotides as they reside in the chromosomes prior to repair. However, it is plausible that at least some of the immune suppression is due to the excision and perhaps intercellular transfer of polynucleotides containing UV cross-linked nucleotides.

So being, it is herein proposed to suppress immune responses by administration of a composition comprising polynucleotides with cross-linked nucleotides, particularly the kinds of cross-links induced by UV radiation.

It is interesting to consider that anticancer agents which cross-link DNA may also be resulting in the release of immunosuppressive polynucleotides, and that by blocking these effects they may be more effective.

Furthermore, although it would appear obvious, it is worth mention that blocking the immunosuppressive effects of polynucleotides containing telomer sequences may also be beneficial in cancer therapy.

"Polynucleotides" as defined herein are often, but not necessarily, oligonucleotides with less than 100 nucleotides. One or a multitude of polynucleotides may be conjugated to another molecule.

If it should be that the above invention is indeed novel any patentable rights I may have, I freely give away.

It is hoped that others will honor the invention as delineated above and by the following claims.

Claims