THERAPEUTIC APPLICATIONS OF MATURE FLINT (MFLINT) POLYPEPTIDES OR OPG3, A MEMBER OF THE TNF RECEPTOR SUPERFAMILY

摘要

Mature FLINT protein (mFLINT) binds FasL and LIGHT, and prevents FasL-Fas interaction. mFLINT inhibits FasL-Fas-mediated apoptotic and proinflammatory activity, and is useful in treating disorders associated with abnormal apoptosis and inflammation. The invention provides the amino acid and nucleotide sequences of FLINT and mature FLINT. The preparation and characterization of transgenic animals that express FLINT is disclosed. Therapeutic compositions and methods of treatment utilizing mFLINT are also provided.