Abstract: Methods are provided for reducing the activity or function of an inflammatory cell by contacting a cell with, or administering to a subject in need thereof, an effective amount of a circumsporozoite protein or homolog thereof, or a fragment thereof. Methods of treating an inflammatory disease, or an autoimmune disease or for inducing tolerance are also disclosed as are pharmaceutical compositions comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a circumsporozoite protein or homolog thereof, or a fragment thereof and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: Methods are provided for reducing the activity or function of an inflammatory cell by contacting a cell with, or administering to a subject in need thereof, an effective amount of a circumsporozoite protein or homolog thereof, or a fragment thereof. Methods of treating an inflammatory disease, or an autoimmune disease or for inducing tolerance are also disclosed as are pharmaceutical compositions comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a circumsporozoite protein or homolog thereof, or a fragment thereof and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: There is provided peptide and mimetic inhibitors for the binding of a circumsporozoite polypeptide to receptors of hepatocytes from malaria-susceptible mammals. Also contemplated is a method of inhibiting the binding of a malaria sporozoites to hepatocytes susceptible to sporozoite invasion. A peptide of Region II+ of the circumsporozoite protein is also provided, as is a method of targeting the delivery of substances to hepatocytes.