Abstract: Compounds, preparations and methods for immunosuppressive treatment of autoimmune disorders, graft rejection and/or graft/host disease. Therapeutically effective amounts of certain substituted triarylmethane compounds, such as 1-[(2-chlorophenyl)diphenylmethyl]-1H-pyrazole, are administered to mammalian patients to selectively inhibit the calcium-activated K+ channel (IKCa1) in lymphocytes, monocytes, macrophages, platelets or endothelial cells without concomitant inhibition of P450-dependent enzyme systems, resulting in reduction of antigen-, cytokine-, or mitogen-induced calcium entry through store operated calcium channels in these cells, suppression of cytokine production by these cells, and inhibition of activation of these cells. Such inhibition of the Ca++ activated K+ channel (IKCa1) prevents the pre-Ca++ stage of cell activation and thus causes immunosuppression and an anti-inflammatory response.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to the n K.sup.+ channel expression product of the MK3 gene or a functionally bioactive equivalent thereof and its uses, particulary in combination with identifying immune responses and materials modulating or blocking same.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to the general diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune diseases with materials identified in assays based upon the finding herein that such diseases manifest by elevated numbers of type l K.sup.+ channels in abnormal CD4.sup.- CD8.sup.- T cells.