DNA MOLECULES ENCODING HUMAN CLAX PROTEINS AND THEIR SOLUBLE FUSION PROTEINS

摘要

Isolated novel cDNA sequences encoding a human C-type lectin and three homologues are provided. They are referred to herein as "CLAX" (C-type Lectin, Activation Expressed) proteins. The invention also includes methods of using the nucleic acid sequences, polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid sequences disclosed herein, fusion proteins having all or a portion (e.g., an extracellular region) of the CLAX proteins, antibodies specific for the novel CLAXs, ligands and inhibitors for the novel CLAXs. The genes of CLAX are specifically expressed in lymphoid tissues and activated T lymphocytes but not resting T lymphocytes. The invention concers the utility in pharmaceutical compositions for the prevention and treatment of infectious, inflammatory and allergic diseases.