ZYMOGENETICS, INC.

The present invention provides a newly identified B7 receptor, zB7R1 that functions as lymphocyte inhibitory receptor, which is a PD-1-like molecule and is expressed on T cells. The present invention also provides the discovery of zB7R1's ability to bind to CD155. Methods and compositions for modulating zB7R1-mediated negative signaling and interfering with the interaction of its counter-receptor for therapeutic, diagnostic and research purposes are also provided.

The invention provides humanized mouse anti-human IL-31 antibodies and antibody fragments that are capable of binding IL-31 and thereby neutralizing, inhibiting, limiting, or reducing the proinflammatory or pro-pruritic effects of IL-31.

The present invention relates to methods of treating patients suffering from Contact dermatitis, Drug induced delayed type cutaneous allergic reactions, Toxic epidermal necrolysis, Cutaneous T cell Lymphoma, Bullous pemphigoid, Alopecia aereata, Vitiligo, Acne Rosacea, Prurigo nodularis, Scleroderma, Herpes simplex virus, or combination by administering an IL-31RA antagonist.

The present invention provides a newly identified B7 receptor, zB7R1 that functions as lymphocyte inhibitory receptor, which is a PD-1-like molecule and is expressed on T cells. The present invention also provides the discovery of zB7R1's ability to bind to CD155. Methods and compositions for modulating zB7R1-mediated negative signaling and interfering with the interaction of its counter-receptor for therapeutic, diagnostic and research purposes are also provided.

The present invention provides a method of measuring the levels of BCMA in a biological sample, specifically upon the B cell surface. The diagnostic assays are useful in predicting an individual's likelihood of developing or currently suffering from an autoimmune disease, such as SLE, and for methods for treating an individual clinically diagnosed with an autoimmune disease. This diagnostic test serves to predict a patient's likelihood to respond to a specific drug treatment, in particular treatment with BLyS antagonists, either singly or in combination with other immune suppressive drugs

The present invention provides a method of measuring the levels of BCMA in a biological sample, specifically upon the B cell surface. The diagnostic assays are useful in predicting an individual's likelihood of developing or currently suffering from an autoimmune disease, such as SLE, and for methods for treating an individual clinically diagnosed with an autoimmune disease. This diagnostic test serves to predict a patient's likelihood to respond to a specific drug treatment, in particular treatment with BLyS antagonists, either singly or in combination with other immune suppressive drugs.

Disclosed is a newly identified B7 family member, zB7H6, which functions as a counter-receptor for the NK cell triggering receptor, NKp30. Methods and compositions for modulating NKp30-mediated NK cell activity based on the interaction of zB7H6 with NKp30, as well as related screening methods, are also disclosed. Further disclosed are anti-zB7H6 antibodies as well as antibody-drug conjugates comprising an anti-zB7H6 antibody conjugated to a therapeutic agent, including methods for using such antibodies and antibody-drug conjugates to exert therapeutic effects against zB7H6-expressing cells.

Cytokines and their receptors have proven usefulness in both basic research and as therapeutics. The present invention provides a new human cytokine receptor designated as “Zcytor16.”

The present invention provides methods and compositions for treatment of B-cell malignancies, including non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, comprising administering to a patient in need of the treatment a TACI-Ig fusion molecule in amount sufficient to suppress proliferation-inducing functions of BlyS and APRIL.

Antibodies that bind to polypeptides and peptides comprising the sequence of zalpha11 Ligand as shown in SEQ ID NO: 2 are described. The antibodies may bind the full length sequence of 162 amino acid residues or a fragment thereof, including a mature polypeptide of 131 amino acid residues and smaller polypeptide and peptide sequences. The antibodies may include antibodies that are polyclonal, monoclonal, murine, humanized or neutralizing. Methods for producing the antibodies are also described.