Uses of 2-bromopalmitate in the treatment of autoimmune disease

1. A method of inhibiting Fyn/Lck fatty acylation and protein palmitoylation in a cell In an individual having autoimmune disease comprising:

administering to said individual a pharmacologically effective dose of 2-bromopalmitate.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein said 2-bromopalmitate is administered in a dose of about 0.1 mg/kg to about 100 mg/kg of total body weight of said individual.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein said 2-bromopalmitate inhibits protein palmitoylation within the N-terminus of the proteins.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein said 2-bromopalmitate further inhibits myristoylation of proteins.

5. The method of claim 1 , wherein inhibiting Fyn/Lck fatty acylation further inhibits T cell signaling events.

6. The method of claim 1 , wherein said autoimmune disease is rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, diabetes, multiple sclerosis or systemic lupus erythematosus.

7. A method of inhibiting T-cell receptor mediated signaling events in an individual having an autoimmune disease comprising:

administering to said individual a pharmacologically effective dose of 2-bromopalmitate; wherein 2-bromopalmitate inhibits Fyn/Lck fatty acylation in the T-cells thereby inhibiting T-cell receptor mediated signaling events in the individual.

8. The method of claim 7 , wherein said 2-bromopalmitate is administered in a dose of about 0.1 to about 100 mg/kg of total body weight of said individual.

9. The method of claim 7 , wherein said autoimmune disease is rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, Crohn's disease, multiple sclerosis or systemic lupus erythematosus.