Novel human calcium dependent proteases, polynucleotides encoding the same, and uses thereof

Abstract

Novel human polunucleotide and polypeptide sequences are disclosed that can be used in therapeuutic, diagnostic, and pharmacogenomic applications.

1 .- 3 . (Cancelled)  
     
     
         4 . An isolated polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:2.  
     
     
         5 . An antibody having immunospecificity for the polypeptide sequence of SEQ ID NO:2.  
     
     
         6 . A process for identifying a compound useful for the treatment of low white blood cell count in a patient, comprising contacting a NHP preparation with said compound for a time sufficient to allow the compound to interact with or bind to the NHP preparation, and determining whether said compound inhibits the activity of the NHP preparation.  
     
     
         7 . The process of  claim 6 , wherein said NHP preparation comprises an isolated NIP protein, polypeptide or peptide.  
     
     
         8 . The process of  claim 6 , wherein said NHP preparation comprises a recombinant cell that expresses a NHP protein, polypeptide, or peptide.  
     
     
         9 . The process of  claim 6 , wherein said NHP preparation comprises a transgenic nonhuman animal that expresses a human NHP protein, polypeptide or peptide.  
     
     
         10 . The process of  claim 6 , wherein said NHP preparation comprises a human NHP protein, polypeptide, or peptide.  
     
     
         11 . A process for treating low white blood cell count, in a mammal in need of such treatment, comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a compound that inhibits NHP activity to said mammal.  
     
     
         12 . The process of  claim 11 , wherein said mammal is a human.  
     
     
         13 . A method for selectively inhibiting NHP activity in a human patient, comprising administering a compound that selectivity of a NHP protein, polypeptide or peptide in said patient, wherein the activity of the compound does not result in significant toxic side effects in said patient.  
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the inhibition of the NHP protein, polypeptide or peptide increases white blood cell count in said patient.