Provided is a method for enhancing an immune response in a mammal to facilitatethe elimination of a chronic pathology. The method involves the removal of immunesystem inhibitors such as soluble TNF receptor from the circulation of the mammal,thus, enabling a more vigorous immune response to the pathogenic agent. The removalof immune system inhibitors is accomplished by contacting biological fluidsof a mammal with one or more binding partners such as TNFα muteins capableof binding to and, thus, depleting the targeted immune system inhibitors fromthe biological fluids. Particularly useful is an adsorbent matrix composedof an inert, biocompatible substrate joined covalently to a binding partner,such as a TNFα mutein, capable of specifically binding to a targeted immunesystem inhibitor such as soluble TNF receptor.
