Il-31 receptor antibodies

Abstract

Novel polypeptides, polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, and related compositions and methods are disclosed for zcytor17, a novel cytokine receptor. The polypeptides may be used within methods for detecting ligands that stimulate the proliferation and/or development of hematopoietic, lymphoid and myeloid cells in vitro and in vivo. Ligand-binding receptor polypeptides can also be used to block ligand activity in vitro and in vivo. The polynucleotides encoding zcytor17, are located on chromosome 5, and can be used to identify a region of the genome associated with human disease states. The present invention also includes methods for producing the protein, uses therefor and antibodies thereto.

1 . An antibody that specifically binds to a soluble receptor polypeptide consisting of an amino acid sequence having at least 95% sequence identity with amino acid residues 33-532 of SEQ ID NO:54, wherein the antibody reduces zcytor17 ligand induced inflammation. 
     
     
         2 . The antibody of  claim 1  wherein the soluble receptor polypeptide consists of amino acid residues 33-532 of SEQ ID NO:54. 
     
     
         3 . The antibody of  claim 1  wherein the antibody is polyclonal. 
     
     
         4 . The antibody of  claim 1  wherein the antibody is monoclonal. 
     
     
         5 . The antibody of  claim 1  wherein the antibody is a humanized antibody. 
     
     
         6 . The antibody of  claim 1  wherein the antibody is a chimeric antibody. 
     
     
         7 . The antibody of  claim 1  wherein the antibody is an antibody fragment. 
     
     
         8 . The antibody of  claim 7  wherein the antibody fragment is a single chain antibody, F(ab′) 2  or Fab. 
     
     
         9 . A composition comprising:
 an antibody according to  claim 1 ; and   a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle.