Leptin/ob receptor having a WSX motif

Abstract

The WSX receptor, WSX receptor extracellular domain (ECD), WSX receptor variants, chimeric WSX receptor (e.g., WSX receptor immunoadhesin), and antibodies which bind thereto (including agonist and neutralizing anibodies) are disclosed. Various uses for thse molecules are described.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . Isolated WSX receptor comprising the amino acid sequence of mature human WSX receptor variant 13.2 as in SEQ ID NO: 2.  
     
     
         2 . An isolated polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of the mature human WSX receptor variant 13.2 extracellular domain (ECD) within SEQ ID NO: 2, essentially free of the transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains of WSX receptor variant 13.2.  
     
     
         3 . The polypeptide of  claim 2  which is conjugated with, or fused to, a molecule which increases the serum half-life thereof.  
     
     
         4 . The polypeptide of  claim 3  which is conjugated with polyethylene glycol (PEG).  
     
     
         5 . The polypeptide of  claim 3  comprising WSX receptor ECD amino acid sequence fused to a salvage receptor binding epitope.  
     
     
         6 . A composition comprising the polypeptide of  claim 2  and a physiologically acceptable carrier.