Regulatory t cell mediator proteins and uses thereof

Abstract

The present invention relates to novel regulatory T cell proteins. One protein, designated PD-L3, resembles members of the PD-L1 family, and co-stimulates αCD3 proliferation of T cells in vitro. A second, TNF-like, protein has also been identified as being upregulated upon αCD3/αGITR stimulation. This protein has been designated T reg -sTNF. Proteins, antibodies, activated T cells and methods for using the same are disclosed

1 - 6 . (canceled) 
     
     
         7 . A transgenic rodent engineered to ubiquitously express PD-L3. 
     
     
         8 . The transgenic rodent of  claim 7 , which ubiquitously expresses human PD-L3. 
     
     
         9 . The transgenic rodent of  claim 7 , which ubiquitously expresses murine PD-L3. 
     
     
         10 . A method of using a transgenic rodent that is genetically engineered to ubiquitously express PD-L3 in order to evaluate the in vivo effects of PD-L3 on one or more of: humoral immunity, T cell immunity, or autoimmune responses. 
     
     
         11 . A method of using a transgenic rodent that is genetically engineered to knock out the expression of PD-L3 in order to evaluate the in vivo effects of the loss of PD-L3 expression on one or more of: humoral immunity, T cell immunity, or autoimmune responses.