| abstract |
A human TNF receptor polypeptide and two splice variants thereof and DNA (RNA) encoding such polypeptides and a procedure for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for utilizing such receptor polypeptides for screening for antagonists and agonists to the receptors and for ligands for the receptors. Also disclosed are methods for utilizing such agonists to inhibit the growth of tumors, to stimulate cellular differentiation, to mediate the immune response and anti-viral response, to regulate growth and provide resistance to certain infections. The use of the antagonists as a therapeutic to treat autoimmune diseases, inflammation, septic shock, to inhibit graft-host reactions, and to prevent apoptosis is also disclosed. Also disclosed are diagnostic assays for detecting mutations in the nucleic acid sequences and the polypeptides encoded thereby. |