Methods of treatment using an anti il b50 antibody

Abstract

Nucleic acids encoding mammalian cytokine receptor, e.g., for cytokine IL-B50, purified proteins and fragments thereof. Antibodies, both polyclonal and monoclonal, are also provided. Methods of using the compositions for both diagnostic and therapeutic utilities are described.

1 .- 3 . (canceled) 
     
     
         4 . A method of modulating physiology or development of an IL-7Rα or Rδ2 expressing cell comprising contacting said cell to an exogenous agonist or antagonist of a mammalian IL-B50. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein:
 A) said antagonist is:
 1) an antibody which neutralizes said mammalian IL-B50; 
 2) a mutein of said IL-B50; or 
 3) an antibody which binds to IL-7Rα or Rδ2 or a complex comprising both; 
   B) said physiology is selected from:
 1) proliferation; 
 2) lymphoid or dendritic lineage cell development; 
 3) antigen presentation; or 
 4) production of inflammatory mediators, including cytokines, chemokines, or adhesion molecules; or 
   C) said cell is a hematopoietic cell.   
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein:
 a) said antagonist is an antibody and said physiology is hematopoietic cell proliferation;   b) said agonist is IL-B50 and said physiology is hematopoietic cell differentiation; or   c) said physiology is antigen presentation.   
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein said modulating is blocking, and said physiology is lymphoid lineage cell proliferation. 
     
     
         8 . A method of modulating a signal to a cell mediated by IL-B50 comprising contacting said cell to an administered agonist or antagonist of IL-B50. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein said modulating is inhibiting, and said signal is a proliferation signal. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein:
 a) said antagonist is a neutralizing antibody to IL-7Rα or the Rδ2 subunit or a complex comprising said subunits;   b) said agonist or antagonist is administered in combination with another antagonist or agonist of IL-B50; or   c) said agonist or antagonist is administered in combination with a growth factor, cytokine, chemokine, or immune adjuvant.   
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein said contacting is with another anti-proliferative agent or treatment. 
     
     
         12 .- 21 . (canceled)