Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Boehringer Ingelheim International Gmbh

Yale University

Jun Li

Xiang Li

Jianfei Yang

Kenneth B Marcu

Zhenhao Qi

Agnès Vignery

Frank James King

Ming Xue

Baerbel LoSacco

Compositions and methods are provided for modulating cell-cell fusion by using agents that modulate expression, activity, or function of intermediate-conductance calcium-activated potassium (SK4) channel. In some embodiments, the compositions and methods of the invention provide for inhibition of multi-nucleated osteoclastogenesis and cell-cell fusion, especially cell fusion involving macrophages. In such embodiments, the compositions can comprise inhibitory nucleic acids, monoclonal antibodies or small molecule inhibitors of the SK4 channels and find use in preventing and/or treating various diseases or disorders including bone loss, autoimmune and inflammatory diseases or disorders, implant and transplant rejection, and cancer metastasis. In other embodiments, the compositions and methods of the invention provide for activation of cell-cell fusion. Also provided are methods to screen for SK4 channel modulators (inhibitors or activators) that modulate cell-cell fusion, particularly macrophage cell fusion.

Compositions and methods for modulating cell-cell fusion via intermediate-conductance calcium-activated potassium channels

The present invention relates to mouse and human J12 polynucleotides, polypeptide and anti J12 antibody molecules. The J12 is a cytokine that is preferentially expressed in Th2 cells. The polypeptides and/or antibodies described herein can be used in methods for detection and treatment of certain autoimmune and inflammatory diseases including asthma.

T cell proteins and nucleotides encoding the same

A method for modulating NF-&#x3ba;B dependent gene transcription in a cell comprised of modulating IKK&#x3b1; protein activity in the cell. The present invention also provides siRNA compositions and methods thereof for modulating NF-&#x3ba;B dependent gene transcription.

Methods for modulating IKK&#x3b1; activity

The invention provides for a substantially purified polypeptide referred to herein as CD38JL that is a CD38 splice variant comprised of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 1 or a fragment thereof. The invention also provides methods for treating preventing and diagnosing disorders associated with expression of CD38JL.

CD38 splice variants and uses thereof

Methods for modulating IKK&#x3b1;  activity

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Danbury, CT, United States of America

Jun Li