Wyeth

Medimmune Limited

Genetics Institute, Inc.

Cambridge Antibody Technology Limited

Joann Witek

Mary Collins

Matthew James Whitters

Deborah A Young

Viia Valge-Archer

Andrew James Williams

Glenn R Larsen

Debra D Donaldson

Beatriz M Carreno

Michelle J Unger

Marion T Kasaian

Laura L Carter

Leslie D Lowe

Kyri Dunussi

Margery Ma

The present application provides human antibodies and antigen binding fragments thereof that specifically bind to the human interleukin-21 receptor (IL-21R). The antibodies can act as antagonists of IL-21R activity, thereby modulating immune responses in general, and those mediated by IL-21R in particular. The disclosed compositions and methods may be used for example, in diagnosing, treating or preventing inflammatory disorders, autoimmune diseases, allergies, transplant rejection, cancer, and other immune system disorders.

Nucleic acids coding for antibodies against human IL-21 receptor and uses therefor

Antibodies against human or mouse IL-21 receptor

Methods and compositions for modulating interleukin-21 (IL-21)/IL-21 receptor (MU-1) activity using agonists or antagonists of IL-21 or IL-21 receptor ('IL-21R' or 'MU-1'), are disclosed. IL-21/IL-21R antagonists can be used to induce immune suppression in vivo, e.g., for treating or preventing immune cell-associated pathologies (e.g., pathologies associated with aberrant activity of one or more of mature T cells (mature CD8+, mature CD4+ T cells), mature NK cells, B cells, macrophages and megakaryocytes, including transplant rejection and autoimmune disorders). IL-21/IL-21R agonists can be used by themselves or in combination with an antigen, e.g., as an adjuvant (e.g., a vaccine adjuvant), to up-regulate an immune response in vivo, e.g., for example, for use in treating cancer and infectious disorders.

Methods and compositions for modulating interleukin-21 receptor activity

Growing community of inventors

Acton, MA, United States of America

Joann Witek