Il-17 homologous polypeptides and therapeutic uses thereof

Abstract

The present invention is directed to novel polypeptides having sequence identity with IL-17, IL-17 receptors and to nucleic acid molecules encoding those polypeptides. Also provided herein are vectors and host cells comprising those nucleic acid sequences, chimeric polypeptide molecules comprising the polypeptides of the present invention fused to heterologous polypeptide sequences, antibodies which bind to the polypeptides of the present invention and to methods for producing the polypeptides of the present invention. Further provided herein are methods for treating degenerative cartilaginous disorders and other inflammatory diseases.

1 . A pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of a degenerative cartilaginous disorder comprising an effective amount of an antagonist antibody or fragment thereof that binds the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 6 in admixture with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. 
     
     
         2 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 1  wherein said degenerative cartilaginous disorder is rheumatoid arthritis. 
     
     
         3 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 1  wherein said degenerative cartilaginous disorder is osteoarthritis. 
     
     
         4 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 1  wherein said degenerative cartilaginous disorder is psoriatic arthritis. 
     
     
         5 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 1  wherein said antibody is a monoclonal antibody. 
     
     
         6 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 5  wherein said antibody is a chimeric, humanized or human antibody. 
     
     
         7 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 1  wherein said fragment is a Fv, Fab, Fab′ or F(ab′) 2  fragment. 
     
     
         8 . A kit comprising the composition of any one of  claims 1  to  7 , a container containing said composition and a label affixed to said container, or a package insert included in said container, referring to the use of said composition in the treatment of a degenerative cartilaginous disorder.