The University of Manitoba

University of Washington

Aaron Marshall

Sen Hou

Edward A Clark

Kevin Draves

Elizabeth Ryan

Provided herein are FDC-SP polypeptides and methods of using such polypeptides. Methods include, but are not limited to, altering IgA concentration in a subject, treating a subject having signs of a disorder that includes excessive IgA production, identifying a compound that decreases the concentration of IgA in an animal, and identifying a compound that treats a condition associated with increased levels of IgA. Also provided herein is an animal that has decreased expression of an endogenous FDC-SP coding sequence. The animal may develop pathophysiological features of IgA nephropathy, and/or may display increased IgA in serum, saliva, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, or a combination thereof; increased IgA expressing B lymphocytes in circulation, lymphoid tissue, or a combination thereof; or increased IgA production in vitro by isolated B lymphocytes.

Methods for treating disorders that involve immunoglobulin A

The invention provides novel dendritic cell-associated lectin-like (DCAL-1) molecules, compositions and therapeutic methods of use. In one aspect, the invention provides isolated nucleic acid molecules that are capable of remaining hybridized to SEQ ID NO:1 or SEQ ID NO:3, including nucleic acid molecules that encode DCAL-1 polypeptides. In another aspect, the invention provides DCAL-1 polypeptides and portions thereof which are useful to stimulate T cell proliferation. In another aspect, the invention provides antibodies that specifically bind to DCAL-1 which are useful for promoting maturation of dendritic cells and for stimulating an immune response in vivo. In another aspect the invention provides methods of stimulating an immune response in an animal comprising introducing into the animal an anti-DCAL-1 antibody of the invention.

Growing community of inventors

Winnipeg, Canada

Aaron Marshall