COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR THE DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF IMMUNE DISORDERS

摘要

The present invention relates to methods and compositions for the treatment and diagnosis of immune disorders, especially T helper lymphocyte-related disorders. In particular, the invention describes a gene known in the art, alternatively, as ST2, T1, and Fit-1, and referred to herein as the 103 gene. The 103 gene is disclosed herein to be differentially expressed in TH2 cells and not in TH1 cells. Further, the 103 gene product is demonstrated herein to be an important modulator of TH2 and TH2-like immune responses both in vitro and in vivo. Thus, the 103 gene, its gene products and antibodies that specifically bind thereto can be used diagnostically or as targets for therapeutic intervention in the treatment of a variety of immune disorders.