Angiotensin converting enzyme homolog and uses therefor

Abstract

The present invention relates to the discovery of novel genes encoding an angiotensin converting enzyme, Angiotensin Converting Enzyme-2 (ACE-2). The invention provides therapeutics, prognostic and diagnostic methods for treating blood pressure related disorders as well as various types of allergic conditions, among others. Also disclosed are screening assays for identifying compounds for treating and preventing these conditions.

1 . An isolated antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof which binds a polypeptide selected from the group consisting of:
 (a) a polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:2;   (b) a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid having ATCC Designation No. 209510;   (c) a polypeptide consisting of the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:2; and   (d) a polypeptide comprising at least 50 consecutive amino acid residues of SEQ ID NO:2 and which has at least one bioactivity of an ACE-2 polypeptide; wherein the bioactivity is selected from the group consisting of (i) binding to a target peptide; (ii) catalyzing hydrolysis of a target peptide; and (iii) interacting with a metal ion selected from Zn 2+ , Co 2+  and Mn 2+ .   
     
     
         2 . The antibody or fragment thereof of claim  44 , which is a monoclonal or a bispecific antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof. 
     
     
         3 . The antibody or fragment thereof of claim  44 , which is a humanized, chimeric or single-chain antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof. 
     
     
         4 . The antibody or fragment thereof of claim  44 , which comprises a detectable label. 
     
     
         5 . The antibody or fragment thereof of claim  44 , wherein the antibody is a blocking antibody which has the ability to inhibit at least one bioactivity of an ACE-2 polypeptide.