| abstract |
The invention provides substantially purified TNF convertase, optionally said convertase being membrane associated and capable of converting TNF having a molecular weight of about 26,000 to one or more lower molecular weight TNF species, e.g. a lower molecular weight TNF species having a molecular weight of about 17,000 said convertase being inhibited by compounds selected from the group consisting of 3,4-dichloro-isocoumarin, elastinal and (1-((3-((acetyloxyl)-7-methoxy-8-oxy-8-oxo-5-thio-1-azabicyclo Ä4.2.0Ü oct-2-en-2-yl) carbonyl) morpholine, S,S-dioxide, (6R-cis). |