Zcytor19 heterodimeric cytokine receptor polynucleotides, polypeptides, antibodies and methods

Abstract

Novel methods are disclosed for forming a heterodimeric receptor complex with IL-28R and CRF2-4. The methods may be used for detecting and treating viral infections in in vitro and in vivo. Ligand-binding receptor polypeptides can also be used to block ligand activity in vitro and in vivo. The present invention also includes methods for producing the protein, uses therefor and antibodies thereto.

1 - 16 . (canceled) 
     
     
         17 . A cultured cell comprising an expression vector comprising the following operably linked elements:
 a) a first transcription promoter; a first DNA segment encoding a first receptor subunit comprising amino acid residues 21-520 of SEQ ID NO:19; and a first transcription terminator; and   b) a second transcription promoter; a second DNA segment encoding a second receptor subunit comprising the amino acid residues of SEQ ID NO:64; and a second transcription terminator;   wherein the first receptor subunit and the second receptor subunit form a heterodimeric receptor capable of binding a polypeptide comprising amino acid residues 20-200 of SEQ ID NO:55.   
     
     
         18 . The cultured cell of  claim 17 , wherein the cultured cell is prokaryotic. 
     
     
         19 . The cultured cell of  claim 17 , wherein the cultured cell is eukaryotic. 
     
     
         20 . A cultured cell comprising:
 a) a first expression vector comprising:
 i) a first transcription promoter; 
 ii) a first DNA segment encoding a first receptor subunit comprising amino acid residues 21-520 of SEQ ID NO:19; and 
 iii) a first transcription terminator; and 
   b) a second expression vector comprising:
 i) a second transcription promoter; 
 ii) a second DNA segment encoding a second receptor subunit comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:64; and 
 iii) a second transcription terminator; and 
   wherein the first receptor subunit and the second receptor subunit form a heterodimeric receptor capable of binding a polypeptide comprising amino acid residues 20-200 of SEQ ID NO:55.   
     
     
         21 . The cultured cell of  claim 20 , wherein the cultured cell is prokaryotic. 
     
     
         22 . The cultured cell of  claim 20 , wherein the cultured cell is eukaryotic.