abstract |
The present invention relates to apoptosis inducing molecule II (AIM-II), a novel molecule of the TNF-ligand family. Specifically, it relates to an isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding human AIM II protein. The present invention also encompasses vectors, host cells, and recombinant methods of making the same associated with AIM II polypeptides. The invention also relates to a screening method for identifying agonists and antagonists of AIM II activity. Moreover, the present invention relates to therapeutic methods for treating lymphadenopathy, autoimmune diseases, graft-versus-host disease, and inhibiting tumor formation such as tumor cell growth. |