| abstract |
B7-H4 specific antibodies and compositions and methods of use thereof are disclosed. The antibodies can be specific for endogenous B7-H4 polypeptides, recombinant B7-H4 proteins and fusions thereof, or combinations thereof. Methods of using B7-H4 specific antibodies to reduce an inflammatory response, or to treat an inflammatory or autoimmune disease/disorders are also disclosed. The antibodies can be administered to a subject to reduce the levels of cell-free B7-H4 in the subject, or reduce cell-free B7-H4 blockage of B7-H4-mediated signal transduction. In some embodiments the antibodies are administered in combination with a B7-H4-Ig fusion protein that mimics transmembrane B7-H4. Preferably, the antibody binds cell-free B7-H4, without binding to the co-administered B7-H4-Ig fusion protein. Methods of diagnosis, determining therapeutic efficacy, and selecting patients for treatment are also disclosed. |