Abstract: Methods, agents and compositions are provided for correcting immune response to a particular antigen or antigens. For example, the methods and agents disclosed herein can be used to stimulate an effective immune response against infection, e.g. an HIV infection. Alternatively, the inventive concepts embrace the inhibition of inappropriate immune response, one application of which is the prevention of restenosis following coronary angioplasty/arthrectomy.

Abstract: The occurrence of restenosis following percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty is prevented or inhibited using a photopheresis treatment method, In accordance with the photopheresis treatment method, a photoactive compound such as 8-methoxypsoralen is administered to the patient's blood or affected tissue, or some fraction thereof, in vitro or in vivo using conventional administration routes. A portion of the patient's blood or affected tissue is then treated (preferably, extracorporeally) using photopheresis, which comprises subjecting the blood or affected tissue to electromagnetic radiation in a wavelength suitable for activating the photoactive compound, such as ultraviolet light, preferably long wavelength ultraviolet light in the wavelength range of 320 to 400 nm, commonly called UVA light. The treated blood or affected tissue, or a fraction thereof, is returned to the patient (in the case of extracorporeal photopheresis) or remains in the patient (following in vivo photopheresis).

Abstract: The occurence of restenosis following percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty is prevented or inhibited using a photopheresis treatment method. In accordance with the photopheresis treatment method, a photoactive compound such as 8-methoxypsoralen is administered to the patient's blood or affected tissue, or some fraction thereof, in vitro or in vivo using conventional administration routes. A portion of the patient's blood or affected tissue is then treated (preferably, extracorporeally) using photopheresis, which comprises subjecting the blood or affected tissue to electromagnetic radiation in a wavelength suitable for activating the photoactive compound, such as ultraviolet light, preferably long wavelength ultraviolet light in the wavelength range of 320 to 400 nm, commonly called UVA light. The treated blood or affected tissue, or a fraction thereof, is returned to the patient (in the case of extracoporeal photopheresis) or remains in the patient (following in vivo photopheresis).

Abstract: A method is provided for treating human patients who have Lymes disease by using a psoralen compound, preferably administered in a dosage of 0.3 to 0.7 mg/kg, and activating same either in vitro or in vivo using electromagnetic radiation of a prescribed activating wavelength. The activation of the psoralen compound in the presence of a blood fraction from a patient suffering from Lymes disease produces a composition which will stimulate an effective immune response to the Lymes disease on the part of the patient.

Abstract: Human Immunodeficiency Virus infections, particularly AIDS, are treated by administering a psoralen compound which is subsequently activated by exposure to electromagnetic radiation (e.g. UVA light) whereby the activated psoralen compound attacks free virus and/or virus infected cells in the blood of the patient. The treated blood when presented to the patient's immune system engenders an effective immune response against the infection. The method has particular utility in the treatment of ARC patients who have depressed immune function.