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

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.