Patent AT-E401079-T1: [Translated] THE USE OF C-KITE INHIBITORS TO TREAT AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES

The present invention relates to a method for treating autoimmune diseases, more particularly selected from the group consisting of multiple sclerosis, ulcerative colitis, Chron's disease, rheumatoid arthritis and polyarthritis, scleroderma, lupus erythematosus, dermatomyositis, pemphigus, polymyositis, vasculitis, as well as graft-versus host diseases, comprising administering a compound capable of depleting mast cells to a mammal in need of such treatment. Such compounds can be chosen from tyrosine kinase inhibitors and more particularly on-toxic, selective and potent c-kit inhibitors. Preferably, said inhibitor is unable to promote death of IL-3 dependent cells cultured in presence of IL-3.