Antagonism of immunostimulatory CpG-oligonucleotides by 4-aminoquinolines and other weak bases

The present invention relates generally to the field of immunology. More particularly it concerns compositions and methods for inhibiting stimulation of the immune system. The compounds and methods comprise compounds that are analogs and derivatives of chloroquine, such as 4-aminoquinolines, and other weak bases. They can be used in preventative and therapeutic treatments of autoimmune diseases and phenomena, transplant rejection such as host-versus-graft disease, and sepsis.