METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS FOR USING MHC CLASS II INVARIANT CHAIN POLYPEPTIDES AS A RECEPTOR FOR MACROPHAGE MIGRATION INHIBITORY FACTOR

摘要

Methods and compositions for using the MHC class II invariant chain polypeptide, Ii (also known as CD74), as a receptor for macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), are disclosed. These include methods and compositions for using this receptor, as well as agonists and antagonists of MIF which bind to this receptor, or which otherwise modulate the interaction of MIF with CD74 or the consequences of such interaction, in treatment of conditions characterized by locally or systemically altered MIF levels, particularly inflammatory conditions and cancer.

主权项

1. A method for screening compounds for an agonist or antagonist of MIF comprising:
contacting an MHC class II invariant chain (Ii) polypeptide with MIF in the presence and absence of a candidate compound, and comparing the interaction of the MIF and said Ii polypeptide in the presence of said candidate compound with their interaction in the absence of said candidate compound, whereby
a candidate compound that enhances the interaction of said MIF with said Ii polypeptide is identified as an agonist of MIF, anda candidate compound that inhibits the interaction of said MIF with said Ii polypeptide is identified as an antagonist of MIF; wherein said Ii polypeptide comprises the complete Ii amino acid sequence of FIG. 5 (SEQ ID. NO:2) or an MIF-binding fragment thereof.