USE OF FOXP2 AS A MARKER FOR ABNORMAL LYMPHOCYTES AND AS A TARGET FOR THERAPY OF DISORDERS ASSOCIATED WITH ABNORMAL LYMPHOCYTES

摘要

The present invention is directed to a method for detecting abnormal lymphocytes said method comprising detecting an amount or expression of the FOXP2 gene in lymphocytes in a sample, wherein an increased amount or expression of the FOXP2 gene in said lymphocytes indicates the presence of abnormal lymphocytes. Additionally, the invention concerns a method for detecting or assessing a condition associated with the presence of abnormal lymphocytes. The methods of the invention may also be useful for diagnosing myeloma or MGUS or for determining the prognosis for patients with lymphoma, myeloma or MGUS. The severity of bone disease or bone colonisation of tumours may also be able to be predicted. Further, treatment of conditions associated with the presence of abnormal lymphocytes using an agent which inhibits FOXP2 expression and/or FOXP2 activity is provided. An antibody which binds to the N-terminus of FOXP2 has also been developed.