Abstract: A method of treating SLE symptoms of an SLE patient comprising administering to an SLE patient an amount of vitamin D compound effective to reduce symptoms and observing a reduction in symptoms is disclosed.

Abstract: Ligands for the nuclear hormone receptor PPAR&ggr; significantly reduced the immunological symptoms of allergic asthma in a murine model of this disease. In vitro, 15-deoxy-Delta(12,14)-prostaglandin J(2), a PPAR&ggr; ligand, significantly inhibited production of the TH2 type cytokine IL-5 from T cells activated in vitro. More importantly, in a model of allergic asthma, mice treated orally with Ciglitazone had significantly reduced lung inflammation and mucous production following induction of allergic asthma. T cells from Ciglitazone treated mice also produced less IFN&ggr;, IL-4 and IL-2 upon rechallenge in vitro with the model allergen. Our results suggest that ligands for PPAR&ggr; may be effective treatments for asthmatic patients.

Abstract: A method of treating SLE symptoms of an SLE patient comprising administering to an SLE patient an amount of vitamin D compound effective to reduce symptoms and observing a reduction in symptoms is disclosed.

Abstract: A method of treating inflammatory bowel disease, particularly ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, is disclosed. The method involves administering a vitamin D compound in an amount effective to treat the disease. The administration of a vitamin D compound also prevents the development of or delays the onset of inflammatory bowel disease in susceptible individuals.

Abstract: A method of treating SLE symptoms of an SLE patient comprising administering to an SLE patient an amount of vitamin D compound effective to reduce symptoms and observing a reduction in symptoms is disclosed.

Abstract: A method of moderating transplant rejection in a transplant recipient comprising administering a dose of vitamin D compound effective to prevent transplant rejection is disclosed. Preferably, the recipient's susceptibility to opportunistic infections has not been compromised. Also preferably, the recipient has not suffered bone demineralization.

Abstract: A method of treating arthritis symptoms induced by an infectious agent of an arthritis patient comprising administering to an arthritis patient an amount of vitamin D compound effective to reduce symptoms and observing a reduction in symptoms is disclosed.

Abstract: A method of treating the multiple sclerosis symptoms of a multiple sclerosis patient is disclosed comprising administering to a multiple sclerosis patient an amount of a vitamin D compound effective to reduce symptoms and to enable an observation of a reduction in symptoms.