IL-21 Critically Regulates Immunoglobulin Production
Description of Invention:
The invention includes a mouse in which the IL-21 receptor gene is disrupted by homologous recombination, the disruption being sufficient to prevent expression of the IL-21 receptor and thus to inhibit the action of IL-21. The invention also includes a mouse in which both the IL-21 receptor gene and the IL-4 gene are simultaneously disrupted in fashions being sufficient to inhibit the action of IL-21 and the production of IL-4. In a homozygous state, these mutations produce a mouse that has diminished B cell function.
This invention also relates to the use of agents that inhibit the interaction of IL-21 with the IL-21 receptor to modulate an immune response. This invention may be used to alter B cell activity, to treat a subject with Job's disorder, to treat an allergic reaction in a subject, or prevent an allergic reaction in a subject.
Inventors:
Warren J. Leonard (NHLBI) Katsutoshi Ozaki (NHLBI) Rosanne Spolski (NHLBI)
Patent Status:
DHHS Reference No. E-211-2002/0 --
U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/393,215 filed 01 Jul 2002
PCT Application No. PCT/US03/20370 filed 26 Jun 2003, which published as WO 04/003156 on 08 Jan 2004
DHHS Reference No. E-211-2002/1 --
U.S. Patent No. 7,332,645 issued 19 Feb 2008
U.S. Patent Application No. 11/958,540 filed 18 Dec 2007
For Additional Information Please Contact: Jennifer Wong
NIH Office of Technology Transfer
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Phone: (301)435-4633
Email: wongje@mail.nih.gov
Fax: (301)402-0220
