The present invention relates to a method of specifically suppressing an
undesired immune response in a mammal suffering from such a response. The
method comprises: i) preparing a construct comprising at least one
discrete antigenically recognizable moiety corresponding to an antigenic
determinant of an antigen causing the undesired immune response bound to
a pharmacologically acceptable carrier wherein the number of the moieties
bound to the carrier and the spacing of the moieties on the carrier are
such that the construct does not elicit an immune response to the
moieties but does directly compete with the antigen for receptors on an
immunocompetent cell that recognizes the determinant, and thereby the
construct specifically suppresses the undesired immune response; and ii)
administering the construct to the mammal in an amount such that
suppression of the undesired immune response is effected. The invention
further relates to constructs suitable for use in the above method and to
methods of making same.