Human Receptor Proteins; Related Reagents and Methods

Abstract

Nucleic acids encoding mammalian Toll-like receptors (TLRs) have been identified in human cells. Recombinantly produced TLRs are used in the preparation of antibodies that are capable of binding to the TLRs. The antibodies are advantageously used in the prevention and treatment of septic shock, inflammatory conditions, and viral infections.

1 . An isolated or recombinant polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 43 or 45, or an antigenic fragment thereof.  
     
     
         2 . An isolated or recombinant nucleic acid encoding the polypeptide of  claim 1 .  
     
     
         3 . (canceled)  
     
     
         4 . A binding compound that specifically binds to the polypeptide or the antigenic fragment of  claim 1 .  
     
     
         5 . The binding compound of  claim 4 , wherein said binding compound comprises an antibody or antibody fragment.  
     
     
         6 . The binding compound of  claim 4 , wherein said binding compound further comprises a detectable label or a purification tag.  
     
     
         7 . The binding compound of  claim 4 , wherein said binding compound is attached to a solid support.  
     
     
         8 . A natural allelic variant of the polypeptide of  claim 1 .  
     
     
         9 .- 11 . (canceled)  
     
     
         12 . The binding compound of  claim 4 , wherein said binding compound is detectably labeled.  
     
     
         13 .- 22 . (canceled)  
     
     
         23 . The antibody or antibody fragment of  claim 5 , wherein said antibody or antibody fragment is a monoclonal antibody or a fragment thereof.  
     
     
         24 . The antibody or antibody fragment of  claim 5 , wherein said antibody antibody fragment is a chimeric antibody or a fragment thereof.  
     
     
         25 . The antibody or antibody fragment of  claim 5 , wherein said antibody antibody fragment is a humanized antibody or a fragment thereof.  
     
     
         26 . The antibody fragment  claim 5 , wherein said fragment is an Fv, Flab, Fab′, F(ab′) 2 , or single-chain Fv.  
     
     
         27 . The antibody or antibody fragment of  claim 5 , wherein said antibody antibody fragment is an antagonist antibody or a fragment thereof.  
     
     
         28 . A hybridoma that produces the antibody of  claim 5 .  
     
     
         29 . The antibody or antibody fragment of  claim 5 , wherein said antibody antibody fragment is a recombinant immunoglobulin or a fragment thereof.  
     
     
         30 . A composition comprising the antibody or antibody fragment of  claim 5 .  
     
     
         31 . The composition of  claim 30 , further comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.