Methods to determine the presence of an antibody that binds modified human thymic stromal lymphopoietin (tslp)

Abstract

Modified, furin resistant human TSLP polypeptides and polynucleotides encoding the modified human TSLP polypeptides are provided. Pharmaceutical compositions, B and T cell activation agents, assays and methods of use are also described.

1 - 18 . (canceled) 
     
     
         19 . A method to determine the presence of an antibody that binds modified human thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) comprising:
 a) contacting a protein comprising a modified human TSLP polypeptide with an antibody, wherein the modified human TSLP polypeptide comprises:
 i) at least 95% amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 29-159 of SEQ ID NO: 10, and 
 ii) one or more amino acid substitutions or deletions to inactivate the furin cleavage site RRKRK (SEQ ID NO:6) at position 127-131 of SEQ ID NO:4, and 
   b) detecting antibody to the modified human TSLP.   
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the modified human TSLP polypeptide is fused to a heterologous protein. 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the antibody to the modified human TSLP is detected my measuring a TSLP activity selected from the group consisting of detecting cell growth and detecting STAT5 activity in a cell expressing TSLP receptors. 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein TSLP activity is measured by detecting cell growth. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein TSLP activity is measured by detecting STAT5 activity in the cell.