| abstract |
The present invention relates to a wide range of diseases and conditions, including cancer. The present invention provides a probe for detecting such a disease or condition. The probe can distinguish between functional P2X 7 receptors and non-functional P2X 7 receptors. The probe can do this in various ways. One is to detect changes in the binding of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to the receptor. The present invention also provides a method for detecting a disease or condition using the probe. The invention also extends to treating diseases or conditions using the antibodies or epitopes capable of producing the antibodies. Wherein the antibody is able to distinguish between functional P2X 7 receptors and non-functional P2X 7 receptors are those that bind to non-functional receptors. Methods of treatment, pharmaceutical compositions, and the use of probes and antibodies are also included in the invention. |