Neurotactin and uses therefor

Abstract

The present invention relates to the identification and characterization of a novel, membrane-anchored chemokine, neurotactin. Sequence analysis of neurotactin reveals that, while it includes an amino terminal domain which resembles that of other chemokines, it has an overall structure which distinguishes it from all presently identified chemokines. Neurotactin is highly expressed in normal mammalian brain. Inhibitors of neurotactin expression or activity can be used to treat inflammation.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . An antibody that selectively binds to a polypeptide having the sequence of SEQ ID NO:4.  
     
     
         2 . An antibody that selectively binds to a polypeptide having the sequence of SEQ ID NO:4 from amino acid 22 to 92.  
     
     
         3 . An antibody that selectively binds to a polypeptide having the sequence of SEQ ID NO:4 from amino acid 22 to 341.  
     
     
         4 . An antibody that selectively binds to a polypeptide having the sequence of SEQ ID NO:4 from amino acid 363 to 397.  
     
     
         5 . The antibody of any of claims  1 ,  2 ,  3 , or  4 , wherein said antibody is a monoclonal antibody.  
     
     
         6 . A method for inhibiting the activity of a polypeptide having the sequence of SEQ ID NO:4, comprising contacting said polypeptide an antibody which selectively binds to a polypeptide having the sequence of SEQ ID NO:4.  
     
     
         7 . A method for inhibiting the activity of a polypeptide having the sequence of SEQ ID NO:4 expressed by a cell, comprising contacting said cell with an antibody which selectively binds to a polypeptide having the sequence of SEQ ID NO:4.  
     
     
         8 . A method for treating a patient who has a disorder associated with abnormal expression or activity of a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:4, said method comprising administering to the patient an antibody which selectively binds to a polypeptide having the sequence of SEQ ID NO:4.  
     
     
         9 . A method for treating a patient suffering from an unwanted inflammatory process, comprising administering to the patient an antibody which selectively binds a polypeptide having the sequence of SEQ ID NO:4.  
     
     
         10 . The method of    claim 9   , wherein said unwanted inflammatory process is an inflammation of the brain.  
     
     
         11 . The method of    claim 10   , wherein said inflammation is associated with viral meningitis.  
     
     
         12 . The method of    claim 10   , wherein said inflammation is associated with bacterial meningitis.  
     
     
         13 . The method of    claim 10   , wherein said inflammation is associated with viral encephalitis.  
     
     
         14 . The method of    claim 10   , wherein said inflammation is associated with multiple sclerosis.  
     
     
         15 . The method of    claim 10   , wherein said inflammation is associated with severe head trauma.  
     
     
         16 . The method of    claim 10   , wherein said inflammation is associated with stroke.  
     
     
         17 . The method of    claim 10   , wherein said inflammation is associated with a neurodegenerative disorder.  
     
     
         18 . The method of    claim 10   , wherein said inflammation is associated with HIV encephalopathy.  
     
     
         19 . The method of    claim 10   , wherein said inflammation is associated with post seizure brain injury.  
     
     
         20 . The method of    claim 10   , wherein said inflammation is associated with a primary brain tumor.  
     
     
         21 . The method of    claim 10   , wherein said inflammation is associated with Lupus-associated cerebritis.