Composition and Method for Treating Inflammatory Disorders

Abstract

Inhibitors of IL-22 are disclosed as well as pharmaceutical compositions and methods of using same. The inhibitors include IL-22 antibodies and are useful for treating inflammatory disorders.

1 . An antibody which immunologically reacts with an IL-22 protein. 
     
     
         2 . The antibody of  claim 1 , wherein said antibody is a neutralizing antibody. 
     
     
         3 . The antibody of  claim 1 , wherein the antibody is a monoclonal antibody. 
     
     
         4 . The antibody of  claim 3 , wherein the monoclonal is a human monoclonal antibody. 
     
     
         5 . The antibody of  claim 3 , wherein the monoclonal antibody is a humanized monoclonal antibody. 
     
     
         6 . The antibody of  claim 1 , wherein said antibody binds specifically to a polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2. 
     
     
         7 - 9 . (canceled) 
     
     
         10 . A method of treating a pathological condition in a subject associated with IL-22 activity comprising administering an effective amount of an agent that inhibits levels of IL-22 activity, thereby treating said pathological condition. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein said pathological condition is selected from the group consisting of septicemia, autoimmune disorders and the regulation of inflammation and acute phase responses. 
     
     
         12 - 33 . (canceled)