This invention provides a method for inhibiting the release of interleukin-1β in a mammal. This invention also provides a method for preventing or treating pulmonary diseases, ophthalmic diseases, and autoimmune diseases that are associated with inflammation or inflammatory conditions. The invention also provides a method for preventing or treating neurodegenerative diseases, or pain in a mammal. The method comprises administering to a mammal in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of a mononucleoside compound, which is an antagonist of P2X
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receptor.