TUMOUR NECROSIS FACTOR ALPHA CONVERTASE

摘要

The present invention relates to tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF.alpha.), and more specifically to the enzyme TNF.alpha.-convertase (TNF.alpha.-con) that can proteolytically convert TNF.alpha. precursor to mature TNF.alpha.. The present invention provides DNA sequences encoding mammalian TNF.alpha.-con and functional equivalents thereof, recombinant expression vectors comprising said DNA sequences, host cell lines comprising said expression vectors, inhibitors of TNF.alpha.-con, inhibitors modified for use as ligands for affinity purification of TNF.alpha.-con, and methods for treating diseases or conditions resulting from abnormal levels of TNF.alpha. in a mammalian subject.