IL-I7 homologous polypeptides and therapeutic uses thereof

Abstract

The present invention is directed to novel polypeptides having sequence identity with IL-17 and to nucleic acid molecules encoding those polypeptides. Also provided herein are vectors and host cells comprising those nucleic acid sequences, chimeric polypeptide molecules comprising the polypeptides of the present invention fused to heterologous polypeptide sequences, antibodies which bind to the polypeptides of the present invention and to methods for producing the polypeptides of the present invention. Further provided herein are methods for treating degenerative cartilaginous disorders.

1 - 42 . (canceled)  
     
     
         43 . An isolated antibody that binds the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:3.  
     
     
         44 . The isolated antibody of  claim 43  that binds the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:3 lacking its associated signal peptide.  
     
     
         45 . The isolated antibody of  claim 43  which is a monoclonal antibody.  
     
     
         46 . The isolated antibody of  claim 43  which is a humanized antibody.  
     
     
         47 . The isolated antibody of  claim 43  which is a human antibody.  
     
     
         48 . The isolated antibody of  claim 43  which is a chimeric antibody.  
     
     
         49 . The isolated antibody of  claim 43  which is a single chain antibody.  
     
     
         50 . The isolated antibody of  claim 43  which is an antibody fragment.  
     
     
         51 . The isolated antibody of  claim 43  which is labeled with a detectable moiety capable of directly or indirectly producing a signal.  
     
     
         52 . A pharmaceutical composition comprising the isolated antibody of  claim 43  and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.  
     
     
         53 . An isolated antibody that binds the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:3 consisting of amino acid residues 19-197 of SEQ ID NO:3.  
     
     
         54 . The isolated antibody of  claim 53  which is a monoclonal antibody.  
     
     
         55 . The isolated antibody of  claim 53  which is a humanized antibody.  
     
     
         56 . The isolated antibody of  claim 53  which is a human antibody.  
     
     
         57 . The isolated antibody of  claim 53  which is a chimeric antibody.  
     
     
         58 . The isolated antibody of  claim 53  which is a single chain antibody.  
     
     
         59 . The isolated antibody of  claim 53  which is an antibody fragment.  
     
     
         60 . The isolated antibody of  claim 53  which is labeled with a detectable moiety capable of directly or indirectly producing a signal.  
     
     
         61 . A pharmaceutical composition comprising the isolated antibody of  claim 53  and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.  
     
     
         62 . An isolated antibody that binds the polypeptide encoded by the cDNA clone deposited as ATCC deposit number 203552.  
     
     
         63 . The isolated antibody of  claim 62  which is a monoclonal antibody.  
     
     
         64 . The isolated antibody of  claim 62  which is a humanized antibody.  
     
     
         65 . The isolated antibody of  claim 62  which is a human antibody.  
     
     
         66 . The isolated antibody of  claim 62  which is a chimeric antibody.  
     
     
         67 . The isolated antibody of  claim 62  which is a single chain antibody.  
     
     
         68 . The isolated antibody of  claim 62  which is an antibody fragment.  
     
     
         69 . The isolated antibody of  claim 62  which is labeled with a detectable moiety capable of directly or indirectly producing a signal.  
     
     
         70 . A pharmaceutical composition comprising the isolated antibody of  claim 62  and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.