Mammalian receptor proteins; related reagents and methods

Abstract

Nucleic acids encoding mammalian, e.g., primate, receptors, purified receptor proteins and fragments thereof. Antibodies, both polyclonal and monoclonal, are also provided. Methods of using the compositions for both diagnostic and therapeutic utilities are described.

1 - 23 . (canceled) 
     
     
         24 . A recombinant polypeptide comprising a sequence having at least 95% sequence identity with residues 24-629 of SEQ ID NO:2. 
     
     
         25 . The polypeptide of  claim 24 , wherein the polypeptide, when combined with IL-12Rβ1, is able to form a functional receptor complex for p40/IL-B30. 
     
     
         26 . The polypeptide of  claim 24 , wherein the polypeptide comprises the sequence of residues 24-629 of SEQ ID NO:2. 
     
     
         27 . The polypeptide of  claim 26 , wherein the polypeptide consists of the sequence of residues 24-629 of SEQ ID NO:2. 
     
     
         28 . A recombinant polynucleotide encoding the polypeptide of  claim 24 . 
     
     
         29 . The polynucleotide of  claim 28  comprising a sequence having at least 95% sequence identity with residues 188-2005 of SEQ ID NO:1. 
     
     
         30 . The polynucleotide of  claim 29 , wherein the polypeptide, when combined with IL-12Rβ1, is able to form a functional receptor complex for p40/IL-B30. 
     
     
         31 . A composition comprising:
 a) the polypeptide of  claim 26 ; and   b) IL-12Rβ1.   
     
     
         32 . An antibody, or antigen binding fragment thereof, that specifically binds to the polypeptide of  claim 27 . 
     
     
         33 . An antibody fragment of  claim 32 , wherein the fragment is an Fv, Fab or Fab2 fragment. 
     
     
         34 . A pharmaceutical composition comprising:
 a) the antibody, or antigen binding fragment thereof, of  claim 32 ; and   b) a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.   
     
     
         35 . An antibody raised against the polypeptide of  claim 25 . 
     
     
         36 . A method of raising an antibody comprising:
 a) injecting an animal with the polypeptide of  claim 25 , or exposing of a library of antibodies in phage or similar vectors to the polypeptide of  claim 25 ; and   b) isolating from said animal or library an antibody that specifically reacts with the polypeptide.   
     
     
         37 . The method of  claim 36 , wherein the polypeptide is in a complex with IL-12Rβ1 when injected into the animal. 
     
     
         38 . A complex comprising:
 a) an antibody, or antigen binding fragment thereof, that specifically binds a polypeptide consisting of the sequence of residues 24-629 of SEQ ID NO:2; and   b) a recombinant polypeptide comprising a sequence having at least 95% sequence identity with residues 24-629 of SEQ ID NO:2, wherein the polypeptide, when combined with IL-12Rβ1, is able to form a functional receptor complex for p40/IL-B30.   
     
     
         39 . A method of modulating the physiology or development of a cell comprising contacting the cell with an antagonist of p40/IL-B30 selected from the group consisting of:
 a) an antibody, or antigen binding fragment thereof, that specifically binds a polypeptide consisting of the sequence of residues 24-629 of SEQ ID NO:2;   b) a polypeptide comprising residues 24-353 (the extracellular portion) of SEQ ID NO:2; and   c) an antisense nucleic acid to a recombinant polypeptide comprising a sequence having at least 95% sequence identity with residues 24-629 of SEQ ID NO:2, wherein the polypeptide, when combined with IL-12Rβ1, is able to form a functional receptor complex for p40/IL-B30.   
     
     
         40 . The method of  claim 39 (a). 
     
     
         41 . The method of  claim 39 (b). 
     
     
         42 . The method of  claim 39 (c). 
     
     
         43 . The method of  claim 39 , wherein the cell is from a host exhibiting signs or symptoms of a disorder selected from the group consisting of:
 a) multiple sclerosis;   b) rheumatoid arthritis;   c) osteoarthritis;   d) inflammatory bowel disease;   e) diabetes;   f) psoriasis; and   g) sepsis.