TGF-beta type receptor cDNAs encoded products and uses therefor

Abstract

DNA encoding TGF-β type III receptor of mammalian origin, DNA encoding TGF-β type II receptor of mammalian origin, TGF-β type III receptor, TGF-β type II receptor and uses therefor.

1 . A method of treating a disease or condition associated with overproduction of TGF-β in an individual comprising administering to said individual an expression vector comprising DNA encoding a soluble TGF-β receptor selected from the group consisting of: soluble TGF-β type II receptor and soluble TGF-β type III receptor, wherein said encoded soluble TGF-β receptor is expressed in an amount sufficient to reduce the effects of said overproduction of TGF-β in said individual. 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the soluble TGF-β type II receptor has a nucleotide sequence comprising a contiguous fragment of
 a) a cDNA insert contained in a plasmid deposited under ATCC accession number 209455,   b) SEQ ID NO: 7, or   c) a nucleotide sequence which encodes an amino acid of SEQ ID NO: 8, wherein the fragment encodes a soluble TGF-β type II receptor polypeptide capable of specifically binding TGF-β.   
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the soluble TGF-β type III receptor has a nucleotide sequence comprising a contiguous fragment of
 a) a cDNA insert contained in a plasmid deposited under ATCC accession number 75127,   b) SEQ ID NO: 5, or   c) a nucleotide sequence which encodes an amino acid of SEQ ID NO: 6, wherein the fragment encodes a soluble TGF-β type III receptor polypeptide capable of specifically binding TGF-β.   
     
     
         4 . A method of treating fibrosis in an individual comprising administering to said individual an expression vector comprising DNA encoding a soluble TGF-β receptor selected from the group consisting of: soluble TGF-β type II receptor and soluble TGF-β type III receptor, wherein said encoded soluble TGF-β receptor is expressed in an amount sufficient to reduce the effects of said fibrosis in said individual. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4  wherein the soluble TGF-β type II receptor has a nucleotide sequence comprising a contiguous fragment of
 a) a cDNA insert contained in a plasmid deposited under ATCC accession number 209455,   b) SEQ ID NO: 7, or   c) a nucleotide sequence which encodes an amino acid of SEQ ID NO: 8, wherein the fragment encodes a soluble TGF-β type II receptor polypeptide capable of specifically binding TGF-β.   
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 4  wherein the soluble TGF-β type III receptor has a nucleotide sequence comprising a contiguous fragment of
 a) a cDNA insert contained in a plasmid deposited under ATCC accession number 75127,   b) SEQ ID NO: 5, or   c) a nucleotide sequence which encodes an amino acid of SEQ ID NO: 6, wherein the fragment encodes a soluble TGF-β type III receptor polypeptide capable of specifically binding TGF-β.   
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 4  wherein the fibrosis occurs in an organ of the individual selected from the group consisting of: lung, kidney, liver and combinations thereof.