abstract |
(57) [Summary]nThe present invention relates to the treatment and inhibition of fibrosis by antagonizing the interaction of IL-13 with its receptor and receptor component. According to the present invention, a polynucleotide encoding the IL-13 binding chain of the interleukin-13 receptor is disclosed. Also provided is a pharmaceutical composition comprising a protein of the invention and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The present invention further provides a composition comprising an antibody that specifically reacts with the protein of the present invention. This compound may inhibit the binding of IL-13 to the IL-13bc protein or IL-13 receptor. Also provided are inhibitors of IL-13R identified by these methods, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same. |