Antibodies to non-functional p2x7 receptor

Abstract

The present invention provides antibodies that specifically bind to P2X7 receptors and distinguish between function and non-functional P2X7 receptors, pharmaceutical compositions and kits containing the antibodies, and methods of using the antibodies for the detection, diagnosis and treatment of disease conditions.

1 - 4 . (canceled) 
     
     
         5 . A method of treating a condition associated with a P2X7 receptor that has an impaired response to ATP in a patient comprising administering to the patient an antibody that binds to an extracellular domain of a P2X7 receptor, the receptor having the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1, wherein the receptor has an impaired response to ATP such that it is unable to form an apoptotic pore under normal physiological conditions, and wherein the antibody does not bind to an extracellular domain of a P2X7 receptor having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 wherein the receptor does not have an impaired response to ATP. 
     
     
         6 . A polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence that includes the amino acid sequence GHNYTTRNILPGLNIT (residues 200-215 of SEQ ID NO: 1), wherein the proline is in a cis conformation, the polypeptide being useful as an immunogen to generate an antibody that is capable of selectively binding to a P2X7 receptor that has an impaired response to ATP such that it is unable to form an apoptotic pore under normal physiological conditions but not to a P2X7 receptor that does not have an impaired response to ATP, wherein the polypeptide is linked to a heterologous carrier for assisting with generating the antibody. 
     
     
         7 . A pharmaceutical composition including a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence that includes the amino acid sequence GHNYTTRNILPGLNIT (residues 200-215 of SEQ ID NO: 1), wherein the proline is in a cis conformation, the polypeptide being useful as an immunogen to generate an antibody that is capable of selectively binding to a P2X7 receptor that has an impaired response to ATP such that it is unable to form an apoptotic pore under normal physiological conditions but not to a P2X7 receptor that does not have an impaired response to ATP, the composition further comprising an adjuvant for assisting with the generation of the antibody. 
     
     
         8 . A method of treating a condition associated with a P2X7 receptor that has an impaired response to ATP in a patient comprising administering to the patient a polypeptide according to claim  2 . 
     
     
         9 . A method of treating a condition associated with a P2X7 receptor that has an impaired response to ATP in a patient comprising administering to the patient a pharmaceutical composition according to  claim 7 .