| abstract |
A new gene in the calcium-activated chloride channel family has been discovered that is induced by IL-9, thereby providing a therapeutic target in IL-9 mediated development of atopic allergy, asthma-related disorders and cystic fibrosis. A method for the identification and use of small molecule inhibitors of this gene and its products to treat these disorders has also been discovered. The invention also includes a method for diagnosing susceptibility to, and assessing treatment of atopic allergy, asthma-related disorders by measuring the level of gene expression in biologic samples using antibody specific for this protein. |