SOLUBLE LYMPHOTOXIN-BETA RECEPTORS AND ANTI-LYMPHOTOXIN RECEPTOR AND LIGAND ANTIBODIES, AS THERAPEUTIC AGENTS FOR THE TREATMENT OF IMMUNOLOGICAL DISEASES

摘要

This disclosure relates to compositions and methods comprising "lymphotoxin-² receptor blocking agents" which block lymphotoxin-² receptor signalling. Lymphotoxin-² receptor blocking agents are useful for treating lymphocyte-mediated immunological diseases, and more particularly, for inhibiting Th1 cell-mediated immune responses. This disclosure relates to soluble forms of the lymphotoxin-² receptor extracellular domain that act as lymphotoxin-² receptor blocking agents. This disclosure also relates to the use of antibodies directed against either the lymphotoxin-² receptor or its ligand, surface lymphotoxin, that act as lymphotoxin-² receptor blocking agents. A screening method for selecting soluble receptors, antibodies and other agents that block LT-² receptor signalling is provided.