NTR3, a novel member of the TNF- receptor supergene family

Abstract

The present invention provides a purified polynucleotide encoding a novel receptor, designated NTR3, which belongs to the TNF receptor gene superfamily; to purified NTR3 polypeptide molecules; to antibodies that bind NTR3; to materials comprising such molecules; and to methods of using such molecules.

1 - 71 . (canceled)  
     
     
         72 . An isolated antibody, or antigen-binding fragment thereof, that binds a first polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 2 and antagonizes the binding of the first polypeptide to a human Fhm polypeptide.  
     
     
         73 . The antibody or fragment of  claim 72  wherein the antibody is a monoclonal antibody.  
     
     
         74 . The monoclonal antibody or fragment of  claim 73  wherein the antibody is a fully human, humanized, or chimeric antibody.  
     
     
         75 . The monoclonal antibody or fragment of  claim 73  wherein the antibody is a fully human monoclonal antibody.  
     
     
         76 . The monoclonal antibody or fragment of  claim 73  wherein the antibody is a humanized monoclonal antibody.  
     
     
         77 . The monoclonal antibody or fragment of  claim 73  wherein the antibody is a chimeric antibody.  
     
     
         78 . A monoclonal antibody comprising a complementarity-determining region of the antibody of  claim 73 .  
     
     
         79 . A monoclonal antibody, or antigen-binding fragment thereof, comprising a variable region of the monoclonal antibody of  claim 73 .  
     
     
         80 . The fragment of  claim 73  that is a Fab or Fab′ fragment.  
     
     
         81 . The monoclonal antibody or fragment of  claim 73 , further comprising a detectable label.  
     
     
         82 . A hybridoma that produces the monoclonal antibody or fragment of  claim 73 .  
     
     
         83 . A mammalian host cell that produces the monoclonal antibody of  claim 73  or the antigen-binding fragment thereof.  
     
     
         84 . A Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell that produces the monoclonal antibody or fragment of  claim 73 .  
     
     
         85 . A composition comprising the monoclonal antibody or fragment of  claim 73  and a diluent or a carrier.  
     
     
         86 . The monoclonal antibody or fragment of  claim 73 , wherein said antibody or fragment neutralizes the inhibitory effect of the first polypeptide on the induction of apoptosis by the Fhm polypeptide in one or more mammalian cells.  
     
     
         87 . The monoclonal antibody or fragment according to  claim 86 , wherein said mammalian cancer cells are colon cancer cells or lung cancer cells.