Use of il-31 monoclonal antibodies for antagonizing signal transduction in dorsal root ganglion cells

Abstract

Use of antagonists to IL-31 are used to treat inflammation and pain by inhibiting, preventing, reducing, minimizing, limiting or minimizing stimulation in neuronal tissues. Such antagonists include antibodies and fragments, derivative, or variants thereof. Symptoms such as pain, tingle, sensitization, tickle associated with neuropathies are ameliorated.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of antagonizing signal transduction in dorsal root ganglion cells in a subject, comprising administering subcutaneously to the subject a monoclonal antibody that specifically binds to a polypeptide consisting of amino acid residues 27-164 of SEQ ID NO:2, and wherein after administration the signal transduction induced by the polypeptide in the dorsal root ganglion cells is reduced. 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the monoclonal antibody is humanized. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the isotype of the humanized monoclonal antibody is IgG4. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the humanized monoclonal antibody is derived from the antibody produced by the hybridoma deposited with the American Type Culture Collection having the ATCC Patent Deposit Designation PTA-6815.