Composition and method for treating inflammatory disorders

Abstract

Inhibitors of IL-22 are disclosed as well as pharmaceutical compositions and methods of using same. The inhibitors include IL-22 antibodies and are useful for treating inflammatory disorders.

1 - 33 . (canceled) 
     
     
         34 . A method of treating an IL-22 related disorder comprising administering an IL-22 agonist in an amount effective to
 (1) modulate an IL-22 signal transduction pathway;   (2) modulate proinflammatory cytokine production;   (3) modulate lymphokine production and/or secretion;   (4) modulate production of adhesion molecules and/or cellular adhesion;   (5) modulate expression or activity of nuclear transcription factors;   (6) modulate secretion of IL-1;   (7) compete with receptors for other cytokines;   (8) compete with another IL-22 family member protein for binding to a IL-22 receptor;   (9) modulate nuclear translocation of internalized IL-22 receptor;   (10) modulate cellular immune responses;   (11) modulate acute phase protein synthesis by hepatocytes, fever, or prostaglandin synthesis; and/or   (12) promote and/or potentiate wound healing.   
     
     
         35 . A method of protecting gut tissue in a patient comprising administering an effective amount IL-22 agonist to the patient. 
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 34  or  35 , wherein the IL-22 agonist is selected from the group consisting of human IL-22 protein; fragments, deletion mutants and addition mutants of human IL-22 protein; and peptide and small molecule compounds that interact with the receptor or other target to which human IL-22 is directed. 
     
     
         37 . The method of  claim 34  or  35 , wherein the IL-22 agonist is human IL-22 protein. 
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 37 , wherein the human IL-22 protein comprises amino acids 1-179 of SEQ ID NO:2.