Treatment of T-Helper Cell Type 2 Mediated Immune Diseases The present invention relates to the use of retinoid antagonists comprising retinoids with selective Retinoic Acid Receptor (RAR) antagonistic activity, Retinoid X Receptor (RXR) antagonistic activity or mixed RAR-RXR antagonistic activity, for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of T-helper cell type 2 (Th2)-mediated immune diseases such as immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated allergic diseases, as well as to the use of said active substances for the treatment of such diseases.

Retinoids are a class of compounds structurally related to vitamin A, comprising natural and synthetic compounds. Retinoids have been found to be clinically useful in the treatment of dermatological and oncological diseases.

The activity of retinoids is thought to be mediated by the nuclear retinoid receptors RAR p, y and RXRcc, belonging to the superfamily of steroid, thyroid hormone, vitamin D, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors [Pfahl et al., Vitamins and Hormones 49,327-382 (1994)]. Retinoids with receptor agonistic activity bind and activate receptors, whereas retinoids with receptor antagonistic activity bind receptors but do not activate them.

Experimentally, retinoids with retinoid receptor agonistic activity have been shown to be active not only in model systems for the treatment of dermatological and oncological diseases but also in models for the treatment of immunological diseases. Retinoids with retinoid receptor agonistic activity are active in the treatment of adjuvant arthritis [Brinckerhoff et al., Science 221, 756-758 (1983)] and experimental allergic encephalomyelitis [Massacesi et al.,

J. Clin. Invest. 88,1331-1337 (1991); Racke et al., J. Immunol. 154,450-458 (1995)], animal models for rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis, respectively. Both diseases are considered to belong to Thl-mediated, cell- mediated immune diseases.

Experimentally, retinoids with retinoid receptor antagonistic activity (retinoid antagonists) are effective in counteracting many properties of retinoids with retinoid receptor agonistic activity (retinoid agonists) such as inhibition of cell proliferation, induction of cell differentiation, induction of apoptosis and inhibition of angiogenesis [Bollag et al., Int. J. Cancer 70,470- 472 (1997)]. Retinoid antagonists are also suppressing toxic side effects of retinoid agonists such as the signs and symptoms of the hypervitaminosis A syndrome and teratogenesis [Standeven et al., Toxicol. Appl. Pharmacol. 138, 169-175 (1996); Eckhardt and Schmitt, Toxicol. Letters 70,299-308 (1994)].

Therefore, they may be useful clinically in preventing or treating adverse events caused by retinoid agonists.

Retinoid antagonists have been proposed for clinical use in prevention and therapy of retinoid-induced toxicity and side effects, particularly of the so- called hypervitaminosis A syndrome. Retinoid antagonists have also been proposed to be used in combination with retinoid receptor agonists or other nuclear receptor agonists for prevention and treatment of preneoplastic or neoplastic lesions, vitreo-retinopathy and retinal detachment. In addition, retinoid antagonists could be used as single agents, based on their anti- proliferative effect, for treatment of certain neoplasms insensitive to retinoid receptor agonists [WO 97/09297].

For the first time, quite unexpectedly, it has now been found that retinoid antagonists are efficacious in the treatment of T-helper cell type 2 (Th2)-mediated immune diseases, such as immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated allergic diseases or diseases mediated by the Th2-related cytokines.

In the scope of the present invention the term"retinoid antagonists"is used for retinoids or compounds with RAR, RXR or mixed RAR-RXR antagonistic activity. It includes compounds with receptor neutral antagonistic activity (neutral antagonists), receptor inverse agonistic activity (inverse agonists) and negative hormone activity (negative hormones) [Klein et al., J. biol. Chem. 271,22692-22696 (1996)].

In the scope of the present invention the term"retinoid antagonists" encompass compounds of formulae a) RAR a-antagonists of formulae

wherein R1 is Cs. io-alkyi, and R2 and R3 independently of each other are hydrogen or fluorine; such compounds are described in US patent no. 5 391 766 and J. Med. Chem.

1997,40,2445; b) RAR a, (3 antagonists of formulae

wherein R4 is diamantyl, X is O or NH, R5 is phenyl or benzyl, and wherein optionally either ring A or ring B is present; such compounds are described in Med. Chem. Res. 1991,1,220; Biochem.

Biophys. Res. Com. J. Med. Chem. 1994,37,1508; c) RAR P, y antagonists of formula wherein R6 and R7 independently of each other hydroxy, Cl-4- alkoxy, optionnaly branched C1 s-alkyl or adamantyl; such compounds are described in J. Med. Chem. 1995,38,4993; d) RAR y antagonists of formulae such compounds are described in Cancer Res. ; e) RAR a, (3, y antagonists of formulae

wherein Y is-CH2-or sulfur and Z is-CH= or nitrogen, and R8 is hydrogen or C1-4-alkyl; such compounds are described in J. Med. Chem. and 4764; J.

Biol. Chem. and 22692; f) RXR antagonists of formulae

wherein the dotted bond is optional; and, when the dotted bond is present, R9 is methyl and R10 is hydrogen; and, when the dotted bond is absent, R9 and R10 taken together are methylene to form a cis-substituted cyclopropyl ring; R1l is C1-4-alkoxy; such compounds are described in EP patent appl. no. 97 107 843.1; J. Med.

Chem. 1996,39,3229; and Nature 1996,383,450.

In accordance with this invention, it has thus been found that administration of retinoid antagonists, pharmaceutically acceptable salts, and pharmaceutically acceptable hydrolyzable esters thereof, are efficacious in treating patients with T-helper cell type 2 (Th2)-mediated diseases. It has also been found that the administration of retinoid antagonists is efficacious in treating patients with diseases mediated by Th2-related cytokines, such as interleukin-4 (IL-4) and IL-5.

The invention, therefore, in one aspect, relates to the use of retinoid antagonists, their pharmaceutically acceptable salts or pharmaceutically acceptable hydrolyzable esters, for the manufacture of a'medicament for the treatment of T-helper cell type 2 (Th2)-mediated immune diseases. In another aspect the invention relates to the use of retinoid antagonists, their pharmaceutically acceptable salts or pharmaceutically acceptable esters thereof for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of disease mediated by Th2-related cytokines, such as IL-4 and IL-5.

The invention also relates to a method for treating patients having T- helper cell type 2 (Th2)-mediated immune diseases comprising administering

to said human patient a compound selected from the group of retinoid antagonists, pharmaceutically acceptable salts and pharmaceutically acceptable hydrolyzable esters thereof, said compound being administered in an amount effective to treat said disease. The term"treatment"or"treating" includes preventive and/or therapeutic treatment.

As used herein, the term,, T-helper cell type 2-mediated immune diseases"relates to diseases involving immunoglobulin E (IgE) and mast cells due to the development and activation of allergen-specific Th2 cells and it encompasses allergic diseases, such as atopic dermatitis, other dermatological diseases associated with atopy; allergic rhinitis or hay fever, allergic bronchial asthma in its acute or chronic, mild or severe forms, with or without acute or chronic bronchitis. Elevated serum levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE) and hypereosinophilia can be associated with these diseases. Retinoid antagonists are effective in all those immune diseases which are linked with an increase of Th2 cell activity and an increased secretion of the related cytokines, such as IL-4 and IL-5. The therapeutic effect of retinoid antagonists is due to a decrease in Th2 cell activity, a decreased secretion of the related cytokines, such as IL-4 and IL-5, and/or an increase in Thl cell activity due to the enhancement of IL-12 production by activated myelomonocytic cells. [S.

Romagnani, Ann. Rev. Immunol. 12,227-257 (1994); Romagnani, ed., Thl and Th2 Cells in Health and Disease. Chem. Immunol., Karger, Basel, 63, pp. 187- 203 (1996); Abbas et al., Nature 383,787-793 (1996)].

The efficacy of the retinoid antagonists in accordance with the present invention can be shown by their ability to either upregulate Thl cell activity or induce/stimulate the production of cytokines, such as IL-12, IFNy, TNF; and/or down-regulate Th2 cell activity, or inhibit the production of cytokines, such as IL-4 and IL-5.

Retinoid antagonists are active in the treatment of allergic bronchial asthma. The hallmarks of inflammation associated with asthmatic disease are the presence of activated eosinophils, an increased sensitivity of the airways (hyperresponsiveness), edema, mucus hypersecretion and cough. This inflammatory process is mediated by the generation and activation of Th2- type cells. The ability of retinoid antagonists to promote a Thl-type response and thereby to suppress the Th2-type response is thought to be the mechanism underlying the efficacy of these compounds in allergic lung inflammation/asthma. Retinoid antagonists are acting on Thl-type cells, in inhibiting the signs and symptoms of allergic lung inflammation/asthma

[Gavett et al., J. exp. Med. 182,1527-1536 (1995); Kips et al., Am. J. Respir.

Crit. Care Med. 153,535-539 (1996)]. They are active in antigen/allergen (e. g. ovalbumin)-sensitized and challenged animals. Retinoid antagonists, given either systemically or topically by aerosol, are efficacious in attenuating, inhibiting or reversing bronchoconstriction, airway edema and mucus hypersecretion, airway inflammation, accumulation of eosinophils and neutrophils in the broncho-alveolar tissue and broncho-alveolar lavage respectively, as well as airway hyperresponsiveness to non-specific stimuli.

For the treatment, the active compound, i. e. a retinoid antagonist, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a pharmaceutically acceptable hydrolyzable ester thereof, is administered either systemically or topically.

Preferably, said compound is administered as a composition containing said active compound and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent compatible with said active compound. In preparing such composition, any conventional pharmaceutically acceptable carrier can be utilized. When the drug is administered orally, it is generally administered at regular intervals, conveniently at mealtimes or once daily. It has been established that this compound is effective in doses which show no or only mild side effects when given orally or when given topically. Therefore, oral or topical administration of the active compound is generally preferred. For treating diseases of the skin, mouth, nose, pharynx, larynx, bronchus etc. oral combined with topical administration may also be used advantageously.

In the treatment of T-helper cell type 2-mediated immune diseases, retinoid antagonists, when administered orally do not induce the adverse events belonging to the toxic syndrome of hypervitaminosis A, such as mucocutaneous, musculoskeletal, neurologic manifestations and elevation of transaminases, triglycerides and cholesterol. In addition, they are not or less teratogenic in contrast to the receptor agonistic retinoids clinically useful in the treatment of dermatological and oncological diseases, such as all-trans retinoic acid (tretinoin), 13-cis retinoic acid (isotretinoin), etretinate and acitretin.

In the treatment of T-helper cell type 2-mediated immune diseases, retinoid antagonists, pharmaceutically acceptable salts or pharmaceutically acceptable hydrolyzable esters thereof, can be used alone or in combination with other measures, e. g. in combination with other pharmaceutically active substances such as topical or systemic corticosteroids, antihistaminics and bronchodilating agents. If used in combination with other substances, retinoid

antagonists and said other substances can be administered separately or incorporated in effective amounts into one pharmaceutical composition.

In the scope of the present invention, the, pharmaceutically acceptable salts"includes any salt chemically permissible in the art for retinoid antagonists and applicable to human patients in a pharmaceutically acceptable preparation. Any such conventional pharmaceutically acceptable salt of retinoid antagonists can be utilized. Among the conventional salts which can be utilized, there are the base salts included, for example, alkali metal salts such as the sodium or potassium salt, alkaline earth metal salts such as the calcium or magnesium salt, and ammonium or alkyl ammonium salts.

In accordance with this invention the retinoid antagonists can also be administered in the form of its pharmaceutically acceptable hydrolyzable esters. Any pharmaceutically acceptable hydrolyzable ester can be used in the compositions and methods of this invention. Among the preferred esters are: the aromatic esters such as benzyl esters in which the benzyl moiety is unsubstituted or substituted with lower alkyl, halo, nitro, thio, or substituted thio; or lower alkyl esters, e. g. ethyl, t-butyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl or cycloheptyl ester; or 9-fluorenylmethyl ester.

In the scope of the present invention the term"alkyl"means straight- chain, branched or cyclic alkyl residues, in particular those containing from 1 to 12 carbon atoms, such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, t-butyl, decyl, dodecyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl and the like. The term"lower alkyl"means alkyl groups containing from 1 to 7 carbon atoms.

The aforementioned retinoid antagonists, the salts and esters thereof are useful especially in pharmaceutically acceptable oral or topical modes. These pharmaceutical compositions contain said active compound in association with a compatible pharmaceutically acceptable carrier material. Any conventional carrier material can be utilized. The carrier material can be organic or inorganic inert carrier material suitable for oral administration. Suitable carriers include water, gelatine, gum arabic, lactose, starch, magnesium stearate, talc, vegetable oils, polyalkylene-glycols, petroleum jelly and the like.

Furthermore, the pharmaceutically active preparations may contain other pharmaceutically active agents. Additionally, additives such as flavouring agents, preservatives, stabilizers, emulsifying agents, buffers and the like may

be added in accordance with accepted practices of pharmaceutical compounding.

The pharmaceutical preparations can be made up in any conventional form including inter alia: (a) a solid form for oral administration such as tablets, capsules (e. g. hard or soft gelatine capsules), pills, sachets, powders, granules, and the like; (b) preparations for topical administrations such as solutions, suspensions, ointments, creams, gels, micronized powders, sprays, aerosols and the like. The pharmaceutical preparations may be sterilized and/or may contain adjuvants such as preservatives, stabilizers, wetting agents, emulsifiers, salts for varying the osmotic pressure and/or buffers.

For topical administration to the skin or mucous membrane the aforementioned derivative is preferably prepared as ointments, tinctures, creams, gels, solution, lotions, sprays; aerosols and dry powder for inhalation, suspensions, shampoos, hair soaps, perfumes and the like. In fact, any conventional composition can be utilized in this invention. Among the preferred methods of applying the composition containing the agents of this invention is in the form of an ointment, gel, cream, lotion, spray; aerosol or dry powder for inhalation. The pharmaceutical preparation for topical administration to the skin can be prepared by mixing the aforementioned active ingredient with non-toxic, therapeutically inert, solid or liquid carriers customarily used in such preparation. These preparations generally contain 0.01 to 5.0 percent by weight, preferably 0.1 to 1.0 percent by weight, of the active ingredient, based on the total weight of the composition.

In preparing the topical preparations described above, additives such as preservatives, thickeners, perfumes and the like conventional in the art of pharmaceutical compounding of topical preparation can be used. In addition, conventional antioxidants or mixtures of conventional antioxidants can be incorporated into the topical preparations containing the aforementioned active agent. Among the conventional antioxidants which can be utilized in these preparations are included N-methyl-a-tocopherolamine, tocopherols, butylated hydroxyanisole, butylated hydroxytoluene, ethoxyquin and the like.

Cream-base pharmaceutical formulations containing the active agent, used in accordance with this invention, are composed of aqueous emulsions containing a fatty acid alcohol, semi-solid petroleum hydrocarbon, ethylene glycol and an emulsifying agent.

Ointment formulations containing the active agent in accordance with this invention comprise admixtures of a semi-solid petroleum hydrocarbon with a solvent dispersion of the active material. Cream compositions containing the active ingredient for use in this invention preferably comprise emulsions formed from a water phase of a humectant, a viscosity stabilizer and water, an oil phase of a fatty acid alcohol, a semi-solid petroleum hydrocarbon and an emulsifying agent and a phase containing the active agent dispersed in an aqueous stabilizer-buffer solution. Stabilizers may be added to the topical preparation. Any conventional stabilizer can be utilized in accordance with this invention. In the oil phase, fatty acid alcohol components function as a stabilizer. These fatty acid alcohol components function as a stabilizer. These fatty acid alcohol components are derived from the reduction of a long-chain saturated fatty acid containing at lest-14 carbon atoms. Also, conventional perfumes and lotions generally utilized in topical preparation for the hair can be utilized in accordance with this invention. Furthermore, if desired, conventional emulsifying agents can be utilized in the topical preparations of this invention.

For topical treatment of allergic rhinitis and allergic bronchial asthma nasal and inhalation aerosols are used. Formulations for such aerosols are described in Drugs and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Marcel Dekker, New York, 1996, Vol. 72, pp. 547-574. Furthermore, the active compound can be delivered by dry powder inhalation. Such formulations and devices are described in Pharmaceutical Technology, June 1997, pp. 117-125.

A preferred oral dosage form comprises tablets, pills, sachets, or capsules of hard or soft gelatine, methylcellulose or of another suitable material easily dissolved in the digestive tract. Each tablet, pill, sachet or capsule can preferably contain from about 5 to about 200 mg, more preferably from about 20 to about 100 mg, of active ingredient. The oral dosages contemplated in accordance with the present invention will vary in accordance with the needs of the individual patient as determined by the prescribing physician.

Generally, however, a daily dosage of from 0.05 to 20 mg per kg of body weight, preferably 0.1 to 7 mg, and most preferably from about 0.3 mg to about 1.5 mg per kg of body weight of the patient is utilized. This dosage may be administered according to any dosage schedule determined by the physician in accordance with the requirements of the patient.

The dosage for treatment typically depends on the route of administration, the age, weight and disease condition of the individual.

Suitable dosage forms are known in the art or can be easily obtained in a manner known per se. Formulations of lotions, gels, creams, sprays; aerosols and dry powder for inhalation, hard or soft gelatine capsules, tablets and sachets that are particularly suitable in the scope of the present invention or that can be easily adjusted in accordance with the above teaching are in the art.

Experimental Methods I. In vitro assay for IL-12 induction by retinoid antagonists THP-1 cells were obtained from American Tissue Culture Collection and cultured in complete medium. To assay for IL-12 production, THP-1 cells, 1.25 x 106 cells/ml, were stimulated with S. aureus Cowan strain (SAC) (1/1000) and human recombinant interferon-y (huIFN-y) (1000 U/ml) [Ma et al., J. Exp.

Med. 183,147-157 (1996)]. Alternatively, 0.5 x 106 human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) (1 ml culture in 48 well plates) were primed with huIFN-y (1000 U/ml) for 16 hours at 37°C, and then stimulated with SAC (1/1000). Supernatants were collected after 48 hours, and freezed at-20°C until assayed [Panina-Bordignon et al., J. Clin. Invest. 100, 1513-1519 (1997)].

IL-12 production was measured by specific enzyme linked immuno sorbant assay (ELISA), using 20C2 antibody (rat anti human IL-12 heterodimer p40-p35), at 2.5 Rg/ml in coating buffer, and peroxidase- conjugated 4D6 antibody (rat anti human IL-12) at 250 ng/ml in assay buffer as described [Zhang et al., J. Clin. Invest. 93,1733-1739 (1994)]. Standard (recombinant human IL-12,800 pg/ml to 6 pg/ml) and samples (100 J. l) diluted in assay buffer were added to duplicate wells. Absorbance was read at 450-650 nm. The unknown IL-12 concentrations of the samples were read from the corresponding standard curve and multiplied by the corresponding dilution factor. Maximal IL-12 production varied between 200 and 400 pg/ml.

Lyophilized retinoid antagonists were diluted in DMSO under yellow light, on ice at a concentration of 2 mM. Serial dilutions (1 AM-1 pM) were prepared in complete RPMI medium. 10 pl of each dilution was added to 1 ml culture.

The results of the experiments indicate that the tested retinoid antagonists influence IL-12 production. In particular, the tested retinoid antagonists stimulate IL-12 production by activated human monocytes, see Table I and II.

Table I Retinoid antagonists specifically enhance IL-12 production by activated monocytes nM IL-12 (pg/ml) IL-10 (pg/ml) TNF-a (pg/ml) medium 0 <10 <10 SAC+IFN-120 1040 1840 RAR a antagonist 1000 251 1343 1912 Compound A 100 102 1050 1600 10 n. d. 1060 1392 medium 0 <10 <10 SAC+IFN-y 126 1040 2000 RAR (xpy antagonist 1000 321 1116 2884 Compound B 100 205 983 2752 10 173 971 2592 medium 0 <10 <10 SAC+IFN-y 120 1040 1840 RXRantagonist 1000 298 1700 1560 Compound C 100 161 1521 1812 10 106 1020 1484

Table II Retinoid antagonists enhance IL-12 production by PBMC and THP-1 cells that have been primed with IFNy and stimulated with SAC Compound Receptor Activity Stimuli Time *PBMCTHP-1 Specificity (hrs) IL-12 (pg/ml) A RARa antagonist IFNy+ 0 503 306 SAC 16 401 nd B RARa, ß, antagonist IFNy+ 0 371 364 SAC 16 367 nd C RXR antagonist IFNy+ 0 568 577 SAC 16 367 nd none none <12 <2 IFNy+ 360 275 SAC * retinoid antagonists (1 n, g) were added at time 0 together with IFNy or after 16 hours together with SAC.

Compound A p- [ (E)-2- [3', 4'-Dihydro-4', 4'-dimethyl-7'- (heptyloxy)-2'H-1- benzothiopyran-6'-yl] propenyl] benzoic acid 1', 1'-dioxide Compound B 4- (7,7,10,10-Tetramethyl-1-pyridin-3-ylmethyl-4,5,7,8,9,10- hexahydro-lH-naphto [2,3-g] indol-3-yl)-benzoic acid Compound C (2E, 4E, 6Z)-7- [2-Butoxy-3,5-bis (1,1-dimethylethyl) phenyl]-3- methyl-2,4,6-octatrienoic acid II In vitro assay for inhibition of differentiation of human naive T cells into T helper 2 (Th2) cells by retinoid antagonists.

Naive T cells from cord blood were isolated and treated as described [Panina- Bordignon et al. J. Clin. Invest. 100.1513-1519 (1997)]. Briefly, cord blood derived mononuclear cells were incubated with anti-CD45RA and anti-CD4 monoclonal antibodies. After a 20 minute incubation, cells were washed and incubated with goat anti-mouse Ig-coated magnetic beads. Positive cells were separated and seeded at 1 x 106 cells/ml in a 24 well plate, together with autologous adherent cells, PHA, and IL-4 in the presence or absence of p- [ (E)- 2- [3', 4'-Dihydro-4', 4'-dimethyl-7'-(heptyloxy)-2'H-1-benzothiopyran-6'- yl] propenyl] benzoic acid 1', 1'-dioxide (Compound A) or (2E, 4E, 6Z)-7- [2-Butoxy- 3,5-bis (1,1-dimethylethyl) phenyl]-3-methyl-2,4,6-octatrienoic acid (Compound C) at lmM for 5 days. Cells were then washed and put back in culture in the presence of IL-2 (100 U/ml). After 10 days, the cells were collected and restimulated with PMA (50 ng/ml) and ionomycin (1 ug/ml) for 4 hours.

Brefeldin A (10 sug/ml) was added for the last 2 hours. Then the cells were fixed with 4% paraformaldehyde and permeabilized with saponin. Fixed cells were stained with FITC-anti IFNy and PE-anti-IL-4mAbs and subjected to cytofluorimetric analysis.

The results of the experiment indicate that the tested retinoid antagonists reduce the differentiation of naive T cells into IL-4-secreting Th2 cells. (Table III) Table III Suppression of IL-4 expression in Th2 cells by retinoid antagonists IL-4 expressing cells % gated cells % Th2 cells Th2 26. 32 100 Th2 + Compound A 10.8 41 Th2 + Compound C 8.5 32

III. Murine model of allergen-induced airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness.

C57BL/6 mice (8-9 weeks old) are actively sensitized to ovalbumin (OA) on day 0 and on day 14 by a intraperitoneal injection of 10 ug OA + 1 mg AI (OH) 3 (gel suspension) in 0.2 ml sterile saline. On day 21, the mice were challenged with 5.0 % OA aerosol for 18 minutes. The aerosol is generated by a De Vilbiss Ultra-Neb 90 ultrasonic nebulizer, the outlet of which is connected to a small plexiglas chamber containing the animals. The mice are dosed with the RXR antagonist Compound C (10 and 30 mg/kg intraperitoneally) daily for three days, 48 hours, 24 hours, and immediately prior to OA challenge. Animals are used on day 21.

Airway Inflammatory Cell Accumulation On day 24, three days after the challenge with OA aerosol, animals are anesthetized with urethane (2.4 g/kg) and tracheotomized with a 23 gauge catheter. Lungs are lavaged with aliquots (2 x 1 ml) of sterile Hank's balanced salt solution without Ca++ and Mg++. Lavage fluid is recovered after 30 sec by gentle aspiration and pooled for each animal. Samples then are centrifuged at 2000 rpm for 15 minutes at 5 °C. Red blood cells are lysed from the resulting pellet with 0.5 ml distilled water and the cells remaining in the pellet are reconstituted with 5 ml HBSS. Samples are centrifuged a second time at 2000 rpm for 15 minutes at 5 °C. The resulting pellet is suspended in 1 ml of HBSS. Total cell number is determined from an aliquot of the cell suspension using a hemocytometer. For cytological preparations, the cells are fixed on cytocentrifuged slides stained with a modified Wright's stain.

Differential counts on at least 300 cells are made using standard morphological criteria to classify cells.

The results of the experiments indicate that the tested retinoid antagonists inhibit the allergen-induced accumulation of airway inflammatory cells (Table IV) Table IV Suppression of airway inflammatory cell accumulation by y retinoid antagonists in a mouse model of allergen-induced airway inflammation Cell Influx (cells/ml) Percent of reduction Vehicle Compound C Compound C 10 mg/kg 30 mg/kg 10 mg/kg 30 mg/kg Total leukocytes 795000 488000 271000 39% 66% Macrophages 443000 289000 172000 35% 62% Eosinophils 335000 176000 91000 48% 73% Airway Hyperresponsiveness On day 24, three days after the challenge with OA aerosol, animals are anesthetized with pentobarbital sodium (100 mg/kg, i. p.) and tracheotomized (PE-190). A jugular vein is cannulated with a sylastic tubing for i. v. drug delivery. Animals are placed in a whole body plethysmograph with a built-in pneumotachograph and mechanically ventilated (Vf =150/min., Vt=0.3ml; Model 683, Harvard Apparatus, S. Natic, MA) immediately following pancuronium bromide (0.1 mg/kg, i. v.) treatment. Tidal volume is obtained from an integration of the respiratory flow signal using a differential pressure transducer (Validyne DP 103-08, Northridge, CA). Transpulmonary pressure is measured with a differential pressure transducer (Validyne DP 45-30, Northridge. CA) as the difference between intratracheal pressure and intrapleural pressure (obtained from a cannula inserted into the intercostal space). Changes in lung resistance (cm H2O/ml/s) to increasing doses of methacholine (30,100,300,1000 ug/kg, i. v.) are calculated from transpulmonary pressure, tidal volume, and respiratory flow measurements using a Modular Instrument Signal Processing System (Malvern, PA).

The results of the experiments indicate that retinoid antagonists can prevent or reverse allergic airway inflammation and inhibit antigen-induced bronchoconstriction, typical for allergic airway diseases, such as allergic bronchial asthma.

Examples for formulations: capsules, tablets, sachets, lotions, gels, creams, aerosols and dry powder for inhalation. The active compounds in the following examples are p- [ (E)-2- [3', 4'-Dihydro-4,4'-dimethyl-7'- (heptyloxy)-2'H-1-benzothio-pyran-6'- yl] propenyl] benzoic acid 1,1'-dioxide or (2E, 4E, 6Z)-7- [2-Butoxy-3,5-bis (1,1-dimethylethyl) phenyl]-3-methyl-2,4,6- octatrienoic acid Example 1 Lotion (solution) preferred Active compound 0.1-2.0 g Propylene Glycol 5.00-20.00 g 10.00 g PEG-Glyceryl Cocoate * 0.00-20.00 g 10.00 g dl-a-Tocopherol 0.001-0.50 g 0.02 g Ascorbyl Palmitate 0.01-0.20 g 0.10 g Propyl Gallate 0.001-0.02 g 0.002 g Citric acid, anhydr. ** 0.00-0.20 g 0.01 g Isopropanol *** 40.00-90.00 g 50.00 g Water, dem. ad 100.00 g 100.00 g resp. ml * or other tensides ** or other complexing agents e. g. EDTA *** or other alcohols e. g. Ethanol

Example 2 Gel preferred Active compound 0.1-2.0 g Propylene Glycol 5.00-20.00 g 10.00 g PEG-Glyceryl Cocoate * 0.00-20.00 g 10.00 g dl-a-Tocopherol 0.001-0. 50 g 0.02 g Ascorbyl Palmitate 0.01-0.20 g 0.10 g Propyl Gallate 0.001-0. 02 g 0.002 g Citric acid, anhydr. ** 0. 00-0. 20 g 0.01 g Isopropanol *** 40.00-90.00 g 50.00 g HPMC **** 0.50-5.00 g 3.00 g Preservative ***** q. s. q. s. <BR> <BR> <BR> <P>Water, dem. ad 100.00 g 100.00 resp. ml * or other tensides ** or other complexing agents e. g. EDTA *** or other alcohols e. g. Ethanol **** Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose or other polymers e. g. neutralised Carbomer, Methyl Cellulose, Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose ***** Preservatives e. g., Paraben esters (methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl).

Sorbic Acid. Benzoic Acid Example 3 Cream preferred Active compound 0.1-2.0 g Glycerol 0.00-10.00 g 5.00 g Na2 EDTA 0.001-0.50 g 0.03 g Glycerides * 5.00-20.00 g 10.00 g Cetyl Alcohol 0.50-5.00 g 1.00 g Stearyl Alcohol 0.50-5.00 g 1.00 g Glycerol mono Stearate 1.00-8.00 g 4.00 g Ceteareth ** 0.50-5.00 g 2.00 g dl-a-Tocopherol 0.001-0.50 g 0.02 g Preservative *** q. s. q. s. <BR> <BR> <BR> <P>Water, dem. ad 100.00 s 100.00 g<BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> * e. g. Caprylic/Capric/Triglyceride, Caprylic/Capric/Linoleic Triglycerides, natural glycerides, as well as e. g. Propylene Glycol, Dicaprylate/Dicaprate and waxes, such as Stearyl, Stearate,

Oleyl Oleate, Isopropyl Myristate ** Ceteareth 5-30, or other emulsifiers such as Polysorbase 20-80, Sorbitane esters of fatty acids, fatty acid esters of PEG.

*** Preservatives e. g., Paraben esters (methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl).

Sorbic Acid. Benzoic Acid Example 4 Fill mass for soft gelatin capsules Active compound 5.0-200.0 mg Oil * 1-3 parts Wax mixture ** 1-5 parts Fill volume 1-6 minims * natural vegetable oils, e. g. soy oil, peanut oil, and artificial glycerides ** composition of natural and artificial waxes or partially hydrated fats 20 mg Soft Gelatin Capsules Ingredients mg/capsule Active compound 20.000 dl-a-Tocopherol 0.028 Hydrogenated Castor Oil 4.200 Caprylic/Capric/Stearic Triglyceride 56.000 (Synthetic Triglyceride) Triglyceride, Medium Chain 199.772 Total 280.000 mg Example 5 Hard Gelatine capsules containing active substance: Composition: One Capsule contains: Active compound 20.0 mg Gelatine Bloom 30 70.0 mg Maltodextrin MD 05 108.0 mg dl-a-Tocopherol 2.0 mg Sodium ascorbate 10.0 mg Microcrystalline cellulose 48.0 mg Magnesium stearate 2.0 mg (weight capsule content) 260.0 mg

Procedure: The active substance is wet milled in a solution of gelatine, malto dextrin, dl-a-Tocopherol and sodium ascorbate.

The wet milled suspension is spray-dried.

The spray-dried powder is mixed with microcrystalline cellulose and magnesium stearate.

260 mg each of this mixture are filled into hard gelatine capsules of suitable size and color.

Example 6 Tablet containing 20 mg active substance: Composition: Tablet kernel: Active compound 20.0 mg Anhydrous lactose 130.5 mg Microcrystalline Cellulose 80.0 mg dl-a-Tocopherol 2.0 mg Sodium ascorbate 10.0 mg Polyvinylpyrrolidone K30 5.0 mg Magnesium stearate 2.5 mg (Kernel weight) 250.0 mg Film coat: Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose 3.5 mg Polyethylenglycol 6000 0.8 mg Talc 1.3 mg Irone oxide, yellow 0.8 mg Titanium dioxide 0.8 mg (weight of the film) 7.4 mg Procedure: The compound is mixed with anhydrous lactose and microcrystalline cellulose.

The mixture is granulated in water with a solution/dispersion of polyvinyl- pyrrolidone, dl-a-Tocopherol and sodium ascorbate.

The granular material is mixed with magnesium stearate and afterwards pressed as kernels with 250 mg weight.

The kernels are film coated with a solution/suspension of above-mentioned compositions.

Example 7 Sachet containing active substance Composition: Active compound 200.0 mg Lactose, fine powder 990.0 mg Microcrystalline Cellulose 1250.0 mg Sodium Carboxymethyl cellulose 14.0 mg dl-a-Tocopherol 5.0 mg Sodium ascorbate 20.0 mg Polyvinylpyrrolidone K30 10.0 mg Magnesium stearate 10.0 mg Example 8 Aerosol for inhalation, metered dose inhaler Active compound 0.5 % (0.1-2.0%) Sorbitantrioleate 5 % dl-a-Tocopherol 0.4% Propellant (mixture of Trichlorofluoro- methane and Dichlorodifluoromethane) 94.1 % Example 9 Dry powder inhaler Active compound * 0.5 mg (0.1 mg-2.0 mg) Lactose monohydrate 25 mg * jet-milled, spray-dried