Methods and reagents for inhibiting cholesterol absorption in humans mediated by pancreatic esterase receptor protein.

摘要

This invention relates to the human enzyme, pancreatic cholesterol esterase (PCE), and a receptor (PCE<R>) for this protein expressed by cells of the intestinal lining. Specifically, the invention relates to the use of inhibitors of binding between PCE and PCE<R> to reduce intestinal uptake of dietary cholesterol in humans. Antibodies, including antisera, and monoclonal and chimeric antibodies, and cell lines producing such antibodies, raised against the PCE<R> protein or fragments or epitopes thereof, are also provided. There is also described treatment of individuals with therapeutic drugs for the prevention of alleviation of disease states in a human related to cholesterol metabolism.