Methods for modulating inflammation by administering HIF-1.alpha. inhibitors or compounds affecting HIF-1.alpha. expression and/or transcriptional activities are disclosed. HIF-1.alpha. affecting compounds include compounds that directly inhibit HIF-1.alpha. and/or interfere into expression of other proteins and regulation of biochemical pathways that target HIF-1.alpha. for degradation in vivo. Also disclosed are methods to enhance the inflammatory response and the destruction of pathogens (e.g., viruses, bacteria) and thereby preventing or minimizing pathogen-induced tissue injury. Also disclosed are methods to enhance the anti-tumor T cell response and the destruction of cancerous tumors and thereby preventing or minimizing metastasis-induced tissue injury. Also provided are methods to accomplish the opposite goal and decrease collateral damage by overactive T cells and thereby protect tissues of vital organs in a novel anti-inflammatory treatment.