Abstract: Disclosed is a 5' flanking sequence of the human fas gene containing a promoter region. This sequence also contains at least three transcription initiation sites, as well as consensus sequences for AP-1, GF-1, NY-Y, CP-2, EB20, and c-myb. Also disclosed are methods of altering senescence of the immune system by modifying Fas activity in cells to increase or decrease apoptosis. Fas expression and function on T cells from old (22-26-month-old) mice is also compared to young (2-month-old) mice and old CD2-fas transgenic mice. Fas expression and ligand-induced apoptosis was decreased on T cells from old mice compared to young mice. In 26-month-old CD2-fas transgenic mice, Fas and CD44 expression, Fas-induced apoptosis, T cell proliferation and cytokine production were comparable to that of the young mice.

Abstract: A double blind clinical trial of 10-deazaaminopterin versus the antirheumatoid drug methotrexate (MTX) established that 10-deazaaminopterin, in addition to being at least equally effective as methotrexate in all respects in ameliorating rheumatoid arthritis in humans, it is superior to methotrexate in controlling pain and joint stiffness and in improving grip strength. In accordance with this invention 10-deazaaminopterin is claimed as a more effective disease modifying arthritis remittive drug for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in humans.