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