Methods of inhibiting osteoclastogenesis and the activity of osteoclasts
are disclosed. Methods of treating patients who have diseases
characterized bone loss are disclosed. The present invention also provides
peptides and peptide analogues designed from a binding loop of a member of
the tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNF-R) superfamily. According to the
methods, an amount of an inhibitor effective to inhibit osteoclastogenesis
is administered to the patient. Methods of modulating dendritic cell
maturation, T cell proliferation, and/or CD40 receptor systems in an
individual are disclosed. The methods comprise the step of administering
to the individual an amount of an inhibitor effective to modulating
dendritic cell maturation, T cell proliferation, and/or CD40 receptor
systems.
