The invention provides a method of treating or preventing a pathologic state in a mammal. The method comprises administering to the mammal a promoter of T-cell expansion and an inducer of CD40 stimulation, wherein CD40 is stimulated on cells of the immune system. The promoter of T-cell expansion and inducer of CD40 stimulation are administered in synergistically effective amounts to treat or prevent the pathologic state in the mammal. The invention also provides a method of assessing the effectiveness of treatment of a pathologic state in a mammal, wherein the mammal has been administered a promoter of T-cell expansion and an inducer of CD40 stimulation, wherein CD40 is stimulated on cells of the immune system. The method comprises measuring the level of at least one antibody in a test sample obtained from the mammal, which at least one antibody is specific for an antigen that is known to be associated with the pathologic state, and wherein the level of the at least one antibody is indicative of the effectiveness of treatment of the pathologic state in the mammal.