The present invention is directed to novel polypeptides having sequence identity with IL-17, IL-17 receptors and to nucleic acid molecules encoding those polypeptides. Also provided herein are vectors and host cells comprising those nucleic acid sequences, chimeric polypeptide molecules comprising the polypeptides of the present invention fused to heterologous polypeptide sequences, antibodies which bind to the polypeptides of the present invention and to methods for producing the polypeptides of the present invention. Further provided herein are methods for treating degenerative cartilaginous disorders and other inflammatory diseases.

IL-17 homologous polypeptides and therapeutic uses thereof

The present invention provides novel molecules, compositions, methods and uses for treating microvascular disorders, eye diseases respiratory conditions and hearing disorders based upon inhibition of the RTP801 gene and/or protein

Therapeutic uses of inhibitors of rtp801

The invention relates to one or more inhibitors, in particular siRNAs, which down-regulate the expression of human pro-apoptotic genes. The invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound, or a vector capable of expressing the compound, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The present invention also contemplates a method of treating or preventing the incidence or severity of hearing impairment (or balance impairment), particularly hearing impairment associated with cell death of the inner ear hair cells or outer ear hair cells, comprising administering to the patient the pharmaceutical composition in a therapeutically effective dose so as to thereby treat the patient.

Treatment or prevention of oto-pathologies by inhibition of pro-apoptotic genes

Cancer-testis (CT) antigens have been identified by screening public databases for transcripts that are expressed in tumor tissues and a limited set of normal tissues, or by screening for genes that are expressed in cancer and testis tissues (but not other normal tissues). The invention relates to nucleic acids and encoded polypeptides which are CT antigens expressed in patients afflicted with cancer. The invention provides, inter alia isolated nucleic acid molecules, expression vectors containing those molecules and host cells transfected with those molecules. The invention also provides isolated proteins and peptides, antibodies to those proteins and peptides and cytotoxic T lymphocytes which recognize the proteins and peptides. Fragments of the foregoing including functional fragments and variants also are provided. Kits containing the foregoing molecules additionally are provided. The molecules provided by the invention can be used in the diagnosis, monitoring, research, or treatment of conditions characterized by the expression of one or more CT antigens.

Cancer-testis antigens

The invention provides isolated nucleic acid and amino acid sequences of HsKip3d, antibodies to HsKip3d, methods of screening for HsKip3d modulators using biologically active HsKip3d, and kits for screening for HsKip3d modulators.

Motor proteins and methods for their use

Novel human cDNA sequence of a clones, the encoded protein sequence of a clones, antibodies and variants thereof, are provided. The disclosed sequence of a clones find application in a number of ways, including use in profiling assays. In this regard, various assemblages of nucleic acids or proteins are provided that are useful in providing large arrays of human material for implementing large-scale screening strategies. The disclosed sequence of a clones may also be used in formulating medicaments, treating various disorders and in certain diagnostic applications.

Claudia Rittmueller

Papers

Human dna sequences