Methods for soluble zalpha11 cytokine receptors

Abstract

Novel polypeptide combinations, polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, and related compositions and methods are disclosed for soluble zalpha11 receptors that may be used as novel cytokine antagonists, and within methods for detecting ligands that stimulate the proliferation and/or development of hematopoietic, lymphoid and myeloid cells in vitro and in vivo. Ligand-binding receptor polypeptides can also be used to block zalpha11 Ligand activity in vitro and in vivo, and may be used in conjunction with zalpha11 Ligand and other cytokines to selectively stimulate the immune system. The present invention also includes methods for producing the protein, uses therefor and antibodies thereto.

1 . A method of suppressing an IL-21-mediated immune cell response in a mammal, the method comprising:
 administering to said mammal an effective amount of a heterodimeric soluble receptor comprising first and second soluble receptor subunits, wherein the first soluble receptor subunit comprises the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:6, and wherein the second soluble receptor subunit comprises the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:4.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said IL-21-mediated immune cell response comprises IL-21-mediated B cell, T cell, or NK cell activity. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the heterodimeric soluble receptor further comprises an immunoglobulin Fc domain. 
     
     
         4 . A method of treating an immunological disease in a mammal, wherein the disease is selected from the group consisting of rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, diabetes mellitus, inflammatory bowel disease, myasthenia gravis, systemic lupus erythomatosis, diabetes, and asthma, the method comprising:
 administering to said mammal an effective amount of a heterodimeric soluble receptor comprising first and second soluble receptor subunits, wherein the first soluble receptor subunit comprises the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:6, and wherein the second soluble receptor subunit comprises the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:4.   
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein said inflammatory bowel disease is selected from the group consisting of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the heterodimeric soluble receptor further comprises an immunoglobulin Fc domain.