Methods for inhibiting lymphotoxin beta receptor signalling

摘要

This invention relates to compositions and methods comprising "lymphotoxin-beta receptor blocking agents", which block lymphotoxin-beta receptor signalling. Lymphotoxin-beta receptor blocking agents are useful for treating lymphocyte-mediated immunological diseases, and more particularly, for inhibiting Th1 cell-mediated immune responses. This invention relates to soluble forms of the lymphotoxin-beta receptor extracellular domain that act as lymphotoxin-beta receptor blocking agents. This invention also relates to the use of antibodies directed against either the lymphotoxin-beta receptor or its ligand, surface lymphotoxin, that act as lymphotoxin-beta receptor blocking agents. A novel screening method for selecting soluble receptors, antibodies and other agents that block LT-beta receptor signalling is provided.