Title of Invention

A METHOD OF PRODUCING AN ANTIBODY AND THE ANTIBODY

Abstract The present invention relates to a method of producing an antibody to a polypeptide comprising: inoculating an animal with a polypeptide from the group of: (n) a polypeptide consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ill NO : 3 from m:nino acid number 28 (Cys) to amino acid number 35 (Phe); and (0) a polypeptide consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ill NO : 3 from amino acid number 52 (Ser) or 55 (Asp) to amino acid number 59 (Asp) or 62 (Leu); (p) a polypeptide consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ill NO : 3 from amino acid number 94 (Pro) or 95 (GIn) to amino acid number 100 (GIn) or 103 (Met); (q) a polypeptide consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ill NO : 3 from amino acid number 113 (Leu) to amino acid number 118 (Ser) or 119 (Thr); (r) a polypeptide consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ill NO : 3 from amino acid number 123 (Glu) to amino acid number 126 (Asp) or 128(His) ; (s) a polypeptide consisting of the amino acid sequence ofSEQ ill NO: 3 from amino acid number 134 (GIn) or 144 (Gly) to amino acid number 147 (Gly); and wherein the polypeptide elicits an immune response in the animal to produce' the antibody; and isolating the antibody from the animal; and wherein the antibody specifically binds to an IL- TIF polypeptide; and inhibits the pro- inflammatory activity of the polypeptide of SEQ ill NO : 2 or SEQ ill NO : 3. , The invention also relates to the antibody obtained thereby.
Full Text

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PATENT APPLICATION 02-04PC
Description ANTI-IL-TIF ANTIBODIES AND METHODS OF USING IN INTLAMMATION
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
The present application is related to U.S. Provisional Application. Serial No. 60/366,842 filed March 22, 2002. Under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e)(1), this application claims benefit of said Provisional Applications.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Cytokines generally stimulate proliferation or differentiation of cells of the hematopoietic lineage or participate in the immune and inflammatory response mechanisms of the body.
Examples of cytokines that affect hematopoiesis are erythropoietin (EPO), which stimulates the development of red blood cells; thrombopoietin (TPO), which stimulates development of cells of the megakaryocyte lineage; and granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF), which stimulates development of neutrophils. These cytokines are useful in restoring normal blood cell levels in patients suffering from anemia, thrombocytopenia, and neutropenia or receiving chemotherapy for cancer.
The interleukins are a family of cytokines that mediate immunological responses, including inflammation. The interleuldns mediate a variety of inflammatory pathologies. Central to an immune response is the T cell, which produce many cytoldnes and adaptive immunity to antigens. Cytokines produced by the T cell have been classified as type 1 and type 2 (Kelso, A. Immun. Cell Biol. 76:300-317, 1998). Type 1 cytokines include IL-2, EFN-y, LT-a, and are involved in inflammatory responses, viral immunity, intracellular parasite immunity and allograft rejection. Type 2 cytokines include IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10 and IL-13, and are involved in humoral responses, helminth immunity and allergic response. Shared cytokines between Type 1 and 2 include IL-3, GM-CSF and TNF-. There is some evidence to suggest that Type

1 and Type 2 producing T cell populations preferentially migrate into different types of inflamed tissue.
Moreover, cytokine-influenced inflammation is manifested in acute disease as well as chronic disease in humans. For example, enhanced inflammatory states are evident in toxic shock syndrome, sepsis, endotoxemia, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), psoriasis, asthma, Chron's Disease, rheumatoid arthritis as well as many other diseases. In many instances the chronic inflammatory state is directly involved in the debilitating aspects of such diseases, prolonging the disease and resulting in increased damage to chronically inflamed tissues. As such anti-inflammatory agents are sought.
The demonstrated in vivo activities of the cytokine family illustrates the enorrnous clinical potential of, and need for, other cytokines, cytokine agonists, and cytolcine antagonists. For example, demonstrated in vivo activities of the pro¬inflammatory cytokine family illustrates the enormous clinical potential of, and need for antagonists of pro-inflammatory molecules. The present invention addresses these needs by providing antibodies to a pro-inflammatory cytoldne, IL-TIF, including neutralizing anti-human IL-TIF antibodies, as well as providing uses for anti-IL-TIF antibodies in inflammatory disease, as well as related compositions and methods.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
Figure 1 is a multiple alignment of human IL-TEF polypeptide (hIL-TIF) (SEQ ID N0:3), and mouse IL-TIF polypeptide (mIL-TIF) (SEQ ID NO:38). The ":" in the figure indicates amino acids that are identical between the mouse and human sequences, arid the "." in the figure indicates amino acids that are conserved substitutions. There is a 78.4% identity between the human and mouse sequences over the entire sequence (167 amino acid overlap).
DESCRPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides such polypeptides for these and other uses that should be apparent to those skilled in the art from the teachings herein.

Within one aspect, the present invention provides a method of producing an antibody to a polypeptide comprising; inoculating an animal with a polypeptide selected from the group consisting of: (a) a polypeptide consisting of 30 to 144 amino acids, wherein the polypeptide is identical to a contiguous sequence of amino acids in SEQ ED N0:3 from amino acid number 23 (Gly) to amino acid number 779 (Thr); (b) a polypeptide consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ED N0:3 from amino acid number 23 (Pro), to amino acid number 167 (He); (c) a pohpeptide consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ED N0:3 from amino acid number 1 (Met), to amino acid number 167 (He); (d) a polypeptide consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ED N0:2 from amino acid number 1 (Met), to amino acid number 179 (He).; (e) a polypeptide consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ED N0:3 from amino acid number 29 (Arg) to amino acid number 34 (Asn); (fi a polypeptide consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ED N0;3 from amino acid number 121 (His) to amino acid number 126 (Asp); (g) a polypeptide consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ED N0;3 from amino acid number 134 (Gin) to amino acid number 139 (Thr); (h) a polypeptide consisting of the am.ino acid sequence of SEQ ED N0:3 from amino acid number 137 (Lys) to amino acid number 142 (Lys); (i) a polypeptide consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID N0:3 from amino acid number 145 (Glu) to amino acid number 150 (Lys); (j) a polypeptide consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID N0:3 from amino acid number 41 (Thr), to amino acid number 53 CLeu); (k) a polypeptide consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID N0:3 from amino acid number 80 (Met) to amino acid number 91 (Val); (1) a polypeptide consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID N0:3 from amino acid number 103 (Met) to amino acid number 116 (Arg); (m) a polypeptide consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID N0:3 from amino acid number 149 (He) to amino acid number 162 (L^u); and (n) a polypeptide consisting of an epitope of amino acid sequence of SEQ ID N0:3 as predicted from a Jameson-Wolf plot; and wherein the polypeptide elicits an immune response in the animal to produce the antibody; and isolating the antibody from the animal; and wherein the antibody specifically binds to a polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:2 or SEQ ID N0;3; and inhibits the pro-inflammatory activity of the polypeptide of SEQ ID no:2 or SEQ ID NO:3.

Within another aspect, the present invention provides an antibody produced by the method as disclosed above, which specifically binds to a polypeptide of SEQ ID N0:2 or SEQ ID N0:3. In one embodiment, the antibody is as disclosed above, wherein the antibody is selected from the group consisting of: (a) polyclonal antibody, (b) murine monoclonal antibody, (c) humanized antibody derived from (b), (d) an antibody fragment, and (e) human monoclonal antibody.
Within another aspect, the present in\ention provides an antibody or antibody fragment that specifically binds to a polypeptide of comprising a sequence of amino acid residues selected from the group consisting of: (a) the amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO:3 from amino acid number 23 (Pro), to amino acid number 167 (He); (b) the amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID N0:3 from amino acid number 1 (Met), to amino acid number 167 (He); and (c) the amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID N0:2 from amino acid number 1 (Met), to amino acid number 179 (He).; and inhibits the pro-inflammatory activity of the polypeptide of SEQ ID N0:2 or SEQ ID N0:3. Within one embodiment, the antibody as described above or produced by a method described above, wherein the antibody further comprises a radionuclide, enzyme, substrate, cofactor, fluorescent marker, chemiluminescent marker, peptide tag, magnetic paiticle, drug, or toxin.
Within another aspect the present invention provides a method for inhibiting IL-TIF-induced proliferation or differentiation of hematopoietic cells and hematopoietic cell progenitors comprising culturing bone marrow or peripheral blood cells with a composition comprising an amount of an antibody as disclosed above or produced by a method disclosed above sufficient to reduce proliferation or differentiation of the hematopoietic cells in the bone marrow or peripheral blood cells as compared to bone marrow or peripheral blood cells cultured in the absence of soluble cytokine receptor. In one embodiment, the method for inhibiting IL-TIF-induced proliferation or differentiation of hematopoietic cells and hematopoietic cell progenitors is as disclosed above, wherein the hematopoietic cells and hematopoietic progenitor cells are lymphoid cells. In another embodiment, the method for inhibiting IL-TIF-induced proliferation or differentiation of hematopoietic cells and hematopoietic cell

progenitors is as disclosed above, wherein the lymphoid cells are macrophages or T cells.
Within another aspect the present invention provides a method of reducing IL-TEF-indticed or IL-9 induced inflammation comprising administering to a mammal with inflammation an amount of a composition of a an antibod)' as disclosed above or produced by a method disclosed above sufficient lo reduce inflammation.
Within another aspect the present invention provides method of suppressing an inflammatory response in a mammal with inflammation comprising: (1) determining a level of serum amyloid A protein; (2) administering a composition comprising an antibody as described above or produced by a method described above an acceptable pharmaceutical vehicle; (3) determining a post administration level of serum amyloid A protein; (4) comparing the level of serum amyloid A protein in step (1) to the level of serum amyloid A protein in step (3), wherein a lack of increase or a decrease in serum amyloid A protein level is indicative of suppressing an inflammatory response.
Within another aspect the present invention provides method for detecting a cancer in a patient, comprising: obtaining a tissue or biological sample from a patient; incubating the tissue or biological sample with an antibody as described above or produced by a method described above under conditions wherein the antibody binds to its complementary polypeptide in the tissue or biological sample; visualizing the antibody bound in the tissue or biological sample; and comparing levels of antibody bound in the tissue or biological sample from the patient to a normal control tissue or biological sample, wherein an increase in the level of antibody bound to the patient tissue or biological sample relative to the normal control tissue or biological sample is indicative of a cancer in the patient.
Within another aspect the present invention provides a method of treating a mammal afflicted with an inflammatory disease in which IL-TIF or serum amyloid A plays a role, comprising: administering an antagonist of IL-TIF or serum amyloid A to the mammal such that the inflammation is reduced, wherein the antagonist is selected from the group consisting of an antibody or binding polypeptide that specifically binds a polypeptide or polypeptide fragment of IL-TIF (SEQ ID N0;3).

Within another embodiment the method of treating a mammal affhcted with an inflammatory disease is as described above wherein the disease is a chronic inflammatory disease. Within another embodiment the method of treating a mammal afflicted with an inflammatory disease is as described above wherein the disease is a chronic inflammatory disease selected from the group consisting of: inflammatory bowel disease; ulcerative colitis; Crohn's disease; arthritis; and psoriasis. Within another embodiment the method of treating a mammal afflicted with an inflammatory disease is as described above wherein the disease is an acute inflammatory disease. Within another embodiment the method is as described above, wherein the disease is an acute inflammatory disease selected from the group consisting of: endotoxemia; septicemia; toxic shock syndrome; and infectious disease. Within another embodiment the method of treating a mammal afflicted with an inflammatory disease is as described above, wherein the antibody further comprises a radionuclide, enzyme, substrate, cofactor, fluorescent marker, chemiluminescent marker, peptide tag, magnetic particle, drug, or toxin.
Within another aspect, the present invention provides an antibody comprising a monoclonal antibody that that binds to an epitope of human IL-TEF (SEQ ID N0:3) selected from the group consisdng of: (a) an epitope consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:3 from amino acid number 28 (Cys) to amino acid number 35 (Phe); (b) an epitope consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID N0:3 from amino acid number 52 (Ser) or 55 (Asp) to amino acid number 59 (Asp) or 62 (Leu); (c) an epitope consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID N0:3 from amino acid number 94 (Pro) or 95 (G1n) to amino acid number 100 (Gin) or 103 (Met); (d) an epitope consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID N0:3 from amino acid number 113 (Leu) to amino acid number 118 (Ser) or 119 (Thr); (e) an epitope :onsisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID N0:3 from amino acid number 123 Glu) to amino acid number 126 (Asp) or 128 (His); (f) an epitope consisting of the imino acid sequence of SEQ ID N0:3 from amino acid number 134 (G1n) or 144 (Gly) :o amino acid number 147 (Gly); (g) an epitope consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ DI N0:3 from amino acid number 49 (Lys) to amino acid number 77 (Cys); (h) an epitope consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID N0:3 from amino acid

number 89 (Glu) to amino acid number 101 (Pro), and further comprising a Cys at the N-terminus or C-terminus; and (i) an epitope consistmg of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID N0:3 from amino acid number 132 (Asn) to amino acid number 145 (Glu), and further comprising a C\'s at the N-terminus or C-terminus; and wherein the antibody neutralizes the pro-inflammatory activity of the huniun IL-TIF polypeptide of SEQ ID N0;2 or SEQ ID N0;3. In one embodiment, the antibody is as disclosed above, wherein the antibody further comprises a radionuclide, enzyme, substrate, cofactor, fluorescent rnarker, chemiluminescent mariner, peptide tag, magnetic particle, drug, or ioxin. In another embodiment, the antibody is as disclosed above, wherein the antibody :s selected from the group consisting of: (a) a murine monoclonal antibody, (b) a lumanized antibody derived from (a), (c) an antibody fragment, and (d) a human Tionoclonal antibody.
Within another aspect, the present invention provides an antibody ;omprising a monoclonal antibody produced from a hybridoma selected from the group •-onsisting of: (a) the hybridoma clone 266.16.1.4.4.1 (ATCC [#######]); (b) the . lybridoma clone 266.5.1.2.2.3 (ATCC [#######]); (c) the hybridoma clone 167.17.1.1.4.1 (ATCC [#######]); (d) the hybridoma clone 267.4.1.1.4.1 (ATCC #######]); (e) the hybridoma clone 266.12.6.1.3.2.1 (ATCC [#######]); and the lybridoma clone 266.19.1.10.5.2 (ATCC [#######]. In one embodiment, the antibody 5 as disclosed above, wherein the antibody further comprises a radionuclide, enzyme, ubstrate, cofactor, fluorescent marker, chemiluminescent marker, peptide tag, magnetic 'article, drug, or toxin. In another embodiment, the antibody is as disclosed above, /herein the antibody is selected from the group consisting of: (a) a murine monoclonal ntibody, (b) a humanized antibody derived from (a), and (c) an antibody fragment.
Within another aspect, the present invention provides a method of ■eating a pathological condition in a subject associated with IL-TIF activity comprising dministering an effective amount of the antibody as disclosed above, thereby treating iid pathological condition. In one embodiment, the method is as disclosed above, herein said pathological condition is a chronic inflammatory condition. In another bodiment, the method is as disclosed above, wherein said chronic inflammatory ndition is selected from the group consisting of: inflammatory bowel disease;

ulcerative colitis; Crohn's disease; arthritis; and psoriasis. In another embodiment, the method is as disclosed above, wherein said pathological condition is an acute inflammatory condition. In another embodiment, the method is as disclosed above, uherein said acute inflammatory condition is selected from the group consisting of: endotoxemia; septicemia; toxic shock syndrome; and infectious disease.
Within another aspect, the present invention provides a method of treating a pathological condition in a subject associated with IL-TEF activity comprising administering an effective amount of the antibody as disclosed above, thereby treating said pathological condition. In one embodiment, the method is as disclosed above, wherein said pathological condition is a chronic inflammatory condition. In another embodiment, the method is as disclosed above, wherein said chronic inflammatory condition is selected from the group consisting of: inflammatory bowel disease; ulcerative colitis; Crohn's disease; arthritis; and psoriasis. In another embodiment, the method is as disclosed above, wherein said pathological condition is an acute inflammatory condition. In another embodiment, the method is as disclosed above, wherein said acute inflammatory condition is selected from the group consisting of; endotoxemia; septicemia; toxic shock syndrome; and infectious disease.
These and other aspects of the invention will become evident upon reference to the following detailed description of the invention. Prior to setting forth the invention in detail^ it may be helpful to the understanding thereof to define the following terms:
The term "affinity tag" is used herein to denote a polypeptide segment that can be attached to a second polypeptide to provide for purification or detection of the second polypeptide or provide sites for attachment of the second polypeptide to a substrate. In principal, any peptide or protein for which an antibody or other specific binding agent is available can be used as an affinity tag. Affinity tags include a poly-histidine tract, protein A (Nilsson et al., EMBO J. 4:1075, 1985; Nilsson et al. Methods Enzymol. 198:3, 1991), glutathione S transferase (Smith and Johnson, Gene 67:31, 1988), Glu-Glu affinity tag (Grussenmeyer et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 82:7952-4, 1985), substance P, Flag™ peptide (Hopp et al.. Biotechnology 6:1204-10, 1988),

streptavidin binding peptide, or oilier antigenic epitope or binding domain. See, in general, Ford et al.. Protein Expression and Purification 2: 95-107, 1991. DNAs encoding affinity tags are available from commercial suppliers (e.g., Pharmacia Biotech, Piscataway. NJ).
The term "allelic variant" is used herein to denote any of two or more alternative forms of a gene occupying the same chromosomal locus. Allelic variation arises naturally through mutation, and may result in phenotypic polymorphism within populations. Gene mutations can be silent (no change in the encoded polypeptide) or may encode polypeptides having altered amino acid sequence. The tenm allelic variant is also used herein to denote a protein encoded by an allelic variant of a gene.
The terms "amino-terminal" and "carboxyl-terminal" are used herein to denote positions within polypeptides. Where the context allows, these terms are used with reference to a particular sequence or portion of a polypeptide to denote proximity or relative position. For example, a certain sequence positioned carboxyl-terminal to a reference sequence within a polypeptide is located proximal to the carboxyl terminus of the reference sequence, but is not necessarily at the carboxyl terminus of the complete polypeptide.
The term "complement/anti-complement pair" denotes non-identical moieties that form a non-covalently associated, stable pair under appropriate conditions. For instance, biotin and avidin (or streptavidin) are prototypical members of a complement/anti-complement pair. Other exemplary complement/anti-compkment pairs include receptor/ligand pairs, antibody/antigen (or hapten or epitope) pairs, sense/antisense polynucleotide pairs, and the like. Where subsequent dissociation of the complement/anti-complement pair is desirable, the complement/anti-complement
pair preferably has a binding affinity of An "anti-idiotype antibody" is an antibody that binds with the variable region domain of an immunoglobulin. In the present context, an anti-idiotype antibody binds with the variable region of an anti-Zcytorl6 antibody, and thus, an anti-idiotype antibody mimics an epitope of Zcytorl6.
An "antibody fragment" is a portion of an antibody such as F(ab')2. F(ab)2, Fab', Fab, and the like. Regardless of structure, an antibody fragment binds with the same

antigen that is recognized by the intact antibody. For example, an anti-Zcyiorl6 monoclonal antibod} fragment binds with an epitope of Zcytorl6.
The term "antibody fragment" also includes a synthetic or a genencallv engineered polypeptide that binds to a specific antigen, such as polypeptides consisting of the light chain variable region, "Fv" fragments consistmg of the variable regions of the heavy and light chains, recombinant single chain polypeptide molecules in which light and heavy variable regions are connected by a peptide linker ("scFv proteins'"), and minimal recognition units consisting of the amino acid residues that mimic the hypervariable region.
A "chimeric antibody" is a recombinant protein that contains the variable domains and complementary detemiining regions derived from a rodent antibody, while the remainder of the antibody molecule is derived from a human antibody.
"Humanized antibodies" are recombinant proteins in which murine complementarity determining regions of a monoclonal antibody have been transfen'ed from heavy and light variable chains of the murine immunoglobulin into a human \'ariable domain. Construction of humanized antibodies for therapeutic use in humans that are derived from murine antibodies, such as those that bind to or neutralize a human protein, is within the sldll of one in the art.
The term "complements of a polynucleotide molecule" denotes a polynucleotide molecule having a complementary base sequence and reverse orientation as compared to a reference sequence. For example, the sequence 5' ATGCACGGG 3' is complementary to 5' CCCGTGCAT 3'.
The term "expression vector" is used to denote a DNA molecule, linear or circular, that comprises a segment encoding a polypeptide of interest operably linked to additional segments that provide for its transcription. Such additional segments include promoter and terminator sequences, and may also include one or more origins of replicadon, one or more selectable markers, an enhancer, a polyadenylation signal, etc. Expression vectors are generally derived from plasmid or viral DNA, or may contain elements of both.
The term "isolated", when applied to a polynucleotide, denotes that the polynucleotide has been removed from its natural genetic milieu and is thus free of

other extraneous or unwanted coding sequences, and is in a form suitable for use within genetically engineered protein production systems. Such isolated molecules are those that are separated from their natural environment and include cDNA and genomic clones. Isolated DNA molecules are free of other genes with which they are orcimarily associated, but may include naturally occun-ing 5' and 3' untranslated regions such as promoters and terminators. The identification of associated regions will be evident to one of ordinary skill in the art (see for example, Dynan and Tijan, Nature 316:~74-78, 1985).
An "isolated" polypeptide or protein is a polypeptide or protein that is found in a condition other than its native environment, such as apart from blood and animal tissue. In a preferred form, the isolated polypeptide is substantially free of other polypeptides, particularly other polypeptides of animal origin. It is preferred to provide the polypeptides in a highly purified form, i.e. greater than 95% pure, more preferably greater than 99% pure. When used in this context, the term "isolated" does not exclude the presence of the same polypeptide in alternative physical forms, such as dinners or alternatively glycosylated or derivatized forms.
The teiTn "operably linked", when referring to DNA segments, indicates that the segments are arranged so that they function in concert for their intended puiposes, e.g., transcription initiates in the promoter and proceeds through the coding segment to the terminator.
The term "ortholog" denotes a polypeptide or protein obtained from one species that is the functional counterpart of a polypeptide or protein from a different species. Sequence differences among orthologs are the result of speciation.
"Paralogs" are distinct but stiiicturally related proteins made by an Drganism. Paralogs are believed to arise through gene duplication. For example, a-|lobin, P-globin, and myoglobin are paralogs of each other.
A "polynucleotide" is a single- or double-stranded polymer of leoxynbonucleotide or ribonucleotide bases read from the 5' to the 3' end. ^olynucleoddes include RNA and DNA, and may be isolated from natural sources, ;ynthesized in vitro, or prepared from a combination of natural and synthetic molecules, sizes of polynucleotides are expressed as base pairs (abbreviated "bo"). nucleotide
C'nt"), or kilobases ("kb""). Where the context allows, the latter two terms may describe polynucleotides that are single-stranded or double-sti-anded. When the term is applied to double-stranded molecules it is used to denote overall length and will be understood to be equivalent to the term "base pairs". It will he recognized by those skilled in the art that the two strands of a double-stranded polynucleotide ma_\ differ slightly in length and that the ends thereof may be staggered as a result of enz\matic cleavage; thus all nucleotides within a double-stranded polynucleotide molecule may not be paired.
A "polypeptide"'is a polymer of amino acid residues joined by peptide Donds, whether produced naturally or synthetically. Polypeptides of less than about 10 amino acid residues are commonly refen'cd to as "peptides".
"Probes and/or primers" as used herein can be RNA or DNA. DNA can oe either cDNA or genomic DNA. Polynucleotide probes and primers are single or iouble-stranded DNA or RNA, generally synthetic oligonucleotides, but may be venerated from cloned cDNA or genomic sequences or its complements. Anahlical jrobes will generally be at least 20 nucleotides in length, although somewhat shorter probes (14-17 nucleotides) can be used. PCR primers are at least 5 nucleotides in ength, preferably 15 or more nt, more preferably 20-30 at. Short polynucleotides can )e used when a small region of the gene is targeted for analysis. For gross analysis of ^enes, a polynucleotide probe may comprise an entire exon or more. Probes can be abeled to provide a detectable signal, such as with an enzyme, biotin, a radionuclide, luorophore, chemiluminescer, paramagnetic particle and the like, which are lommercially available from many sources, such as Molecular Probes, Inc., Eugene, }R, and Amersham Corp., Arlington Heights, IL, using techniques that are well known n the art.
The term "promoter" is used herein for its art-recognized meaning to lenote a portion of a gene containing DNA sequences that provide for the binding of J.NA polymerase and initiation of transcription. Promoter sequences are commonly, lut not always, found in the 5' non-coding regions of genes.
A "protein" is a macromolecule comprising one or more polypeptide hains. A protein may also comprise non-peptidic components, such as carbohydrate roups. Carbohydrates and other non-peptidic subsdtuents may be added to a protein

by the cell in which the protein is produced, and will vary with the type of cell. Proteins are defined herein in terms of their amino acid backbone structures; substitLients such as carbohydrate groups are generally not specified, but may be present nonetheless.
The term "receptor" denotes a cell-associated protein that binds to a bioactive molecule (i.e., a ligand) and mediates the effect of the ligand on the cell. Membrane-bound receptors are characterized by a multi-peptide structure comprising an extracellular ligand-binding domain and an intracellular effector domain that is typically involved in signal transduction. Binding of ligand to receptor results in a conformational change in the receptor that causes an interaction between the effector domain and other molecule(s) in the cell. This interaction in tum leads to an alteration in the metabolism of the cell. Metabolic events that are linked to receptor-ligand interactions include gene transcription, phosphorylation, dephosphorylation, increases in cyclic AMP production, mobilization of cellular calcium, mobilization of membrane lipids, cell adhesion, hydrolysis of inositol lipids and hydrolysis of phospholipids. In general, receptors can be, membrane bound, cytosolic or nuclear; monomeric (e.g., thyroid stimulating hornione receptor, beta-adrenergic receptor) or multimeric (e.g., PDGF receptor, growth hormone receptor, IL-3 receptor, GM-CSF receptor, G-CSF receptor, erythropoietin receptor and IL-6 receptor).
The term "secretory signal sequence" denotes a DNA sequence that encodes a polypeptide (a "secretory peptide") that, as a component of a larger polypeptide, directs the larger polypeptide through a secretory pathway of a cell in which it is synthesized. The larger polypeptide is commonly cleaved to remove the secretory peptide during transit through the secretory pathway.
The term "splice variant" is used herein to denote alternative foiTns of RNA transcribed from a gene. Splice variation arises naturally through use of alternative splicing sites within a transcribed RNA molecule, or less commonly between separately transcribed RNA molecules, and may result in several mRNAs transcribed from the same gene. Splice variants may encode polypeptides having altered amino acid sequence. The term splice variant is also used herein to denote a protein encoded by a splice variant of an mRNA transcribed from a gene.

Molecular weights and lengths of polymers determined by imprecise analytical methods (e.g., gel electrophoresis) will be tmderstood to be appi'cximate valties. When such a value is expressed as "about" X or "approximately" X, the stated value of X will be understood to be accurate to ±10%.
All references cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety.
IL-TEF polynucleoddes are expressed in T-cells, activated T- and B-cells, and lymphoid tissue. The human IL-TIF nucleotide sequence is represented in SEQ ID NO:l. IL-TIF has also been designated "IL-22."
Analysis of SEQ ID NOT reveals that there are two possible initiation Methionine residues for a IL-TIF cytokine polypeptide translated therefrom. The two deduced DL-TIF polypeptide amino acid sequences are shown in SEQ ED N0:2 (a 179 amino acid polypeptide having the initiating Met at nucleotide 21 in SEQ ID NOT) and SEQ ED N0:3 (a 167 amino acid polypeptide having the initiating Met at nucleotide 57 in SEQ ID NOT). Although both of these sequences encode a IL-TIF polypeptide, 3ased on similarity of the n^-TIF sequence to IL-10 and other cytokines, and the presence of a strong signal sequence, SEQ ID N0:3 encodes a fully functional secreted :ytokine polypeptide.
Sequence analysis of the deduced amino acid sequence as represented in 5EQ ID N0:3 indicates a 167 amino acid polypeptide containing a 22 amino acid esidue secretory signal sequence (amino acid residues 1 (Met) to 21 (Ala) of SEQ ID "^0:3), and a mature polypeptide of 146 amino acids (amino acid residues 22 (Ala) to 67 (lie) of SEQ ID N0:3). N-terminal sequence shows that the mature start at residue \2 (Ala) of SEQ ID N0:3 or 34 (Ala) of SEQ ID N0:2.
In general, cytokines are predicted to have a four-alpha helix, structure, /ith the I^' and 4* helices being most important in ligand-receptor interactions. The ^' and 4"' helices are more highly conserved among members of the family. Refening 3 the human LL-TIF amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:3, alignment of human ■_.-TIF, human IL-10, human zcytolO (WO US98/25228) (a.k.a. IL-20), and human 'rDA7 (Genbank Accession No. Q13007) amino acid sequences suggests that IL-TEF elix A is defined by amino acid residues 41 (Thr) to 53 (leu) of SEQ ID N0:3; helix B

by amino acid residues SO (Met) to 91 (Val) of SEQ ID N0:3; helix C by amino acid residues 103 (Met) to 116 (Arg) of SEQ ID N0:3; and helix D by amino acid residues 149 (lie) to 162 Leu) of SEQ ID N0:3. Structural analysis suggests that the A/B ioop is long, the B/C loop is short and the C/D loop is long. This loop structure results in an up-up-dovvn-down helical organization. Four cysteine residues are conserved between IL-10 and IL-TIF coiresponding to amino acid residues S, 28, 77 and 120 of SEQ ID N0:3. Consistent cysteine placement is further confirmation of the four-helical-bundle structure.
The con'csponding polynucleotides encoding the IL-TIF polypeptide regions, domains, motifs, residues and sequences described herein are as shown in SEQ ID NOT. Moreover, the corresponding IL-TIF polypeptide regions, domains, motifs, residues and sequences described herein are also as shown in SEQ ID N0:2 and SEQ IDN0:3.
Four-helical bundle cytokines are also grouped by the length of their component helices. "Long-helix" form cytoldnes generally consist of between 24-30 residue helices and include IL-6, ciliary neutrotrophic factor (CNTF), leukemia inhibitory factor (LEF) and human growth hormone (hGH). "Short-helix" form cytokines generally consist of between 18-21 residue helices and include IL-2, IL-4 and GM-CSF. IL-TIF is believed to be a new member of the short-helix form cytokine group. Studies using CNTF and IL-6 demonstrated that a CNTF helix can be exchanged for the equivalent helix in IL-6, conferring CTNF-binding properties to the chimera. Thus, it appears that functional domains of four-helical cytokines determined on the basis of structural homology, irrespective of sequence identity, and can maintain functional integrity in a chimera (Kallen et al, J. Biol. Chem. 274:11859-11867, 1999). Using similar methods, putative regions conferring receptor binding specificity in IL-TIF comprise the regions of amino acid residues of SEQ ID N0:3 that include: residues 53-60, residues 85-91, and residues 121-140. These regions will be useful for preparing chimeric molecules, particularly with other short-helix'form cytokines to determine and modulate receptor binding specificity. Moreover knowledge of the structure of IL-TIF is useful for one of skill in the art to identify epitopes and functional domain

polypeptide fragmenLs of LL-TIF for use in preparing antibcxlies of the present invention.
Receptors for EL-TIF have been identified, comprising zcytorl6 (SEQ ID NO:32, and SEQ ID NO:33) ((commonly owned WIPO Publication No. WO 01/40467)), zcytorll (SEQ ID N0:18, and SEQ ID N0:19) (Commonly owned US Patent No. 5,965,704). and CRF2-4 (Genbank Accession No. Z17227). Moreover several IL-TEF responsive cell lines have been identified (Dumontier et al., J. Immunol. 164:1814-1819, 2000; Dumoutier, L. et al., Proc. NatM. Acad. Sci. 97:10144-10149, 2000; Xie MH et al., J. Biol. Chem. 275: 31335-31339, 2000; Kotenko SV et al., L Biol. Chem. 276:2725-2732, 2001), as well as those that express the EL-TIF receptor subunit zcytorll. Moreover, commonly owned zcytorl6 receptor was shown to bind IL-TIF and antagonize its activity (SEQ ID N0:3) (commonly owned WIPO Publication No. WO. 01/40467); the" mouse IL-TIF (IL-TIF) sequence is shown in Dumontier et al., J. Immunol. 164:1814-1819, 2000), and was independently cloned, designated, mouse IL-TIF herein, and is shown in SEQ ID NO:37 and corresponding plypepiide sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:38. Moreover commonly owned zcytorll (US Patent No. 5,965,704) and CRF2-4 receptor also bind EL-TIF (See, WIPO publication WO 00/24758; Dumontier et al., I. Immunol. 164:1814-1819, 2000; Spencer, SD et ak, J. Exp. Med. 187:571-578, 1998; Gibbs, VC and Pennica Gene 186:97-101, 1997 (CRF2-4 cDNA); Xie, MH et al., J. Biol. Chem. 275: 31335-31339, 2000; and Kotenko, SV et ak, J. Biol. Chem. 276:2725-2732, 2001). Moreover, IL-lOp receptor may be involved as a receptor for IL-TIF, and it is believed to be synonymous with CRF2-4 (Dumoutier, L. et ak, Proc. NatT. Acad. Sci. 97:10144-10149. 2000; Liu Y et al, J Immunol. 152; 1821-1829, 1994 (IL-IOR cDNA). These receptors are discussed herein in relation to the uses of IL-TIF, and as antagonists thereto.
The present invention utilizes polynucleotide molecules, including DNA and RN.A. molecules, that encode the IL-TEF polypeptides disclosed herein. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that, in view of the degeneracy of the genetic code, considerable sequence variation is possible among these polynucleotide molecules. SEQ ID N0:4 is a degenerate DNA sequence that encompasses all DNAs that encode the EL-TEF polypeptide of SEQ ID N0:3. Those skilled in the art will

recognize ihal the degenerate sequence of SEQ ID N0:4 also provides all RNA sequences encoding SEQ ID N0:3 by substituting U for T. Thus. IL-TIF polypeptide-encoding polynucleotides compnsing nucleotide 1 or 66 to nucleotide 501 of SEQ ID N0:4 and their RNA equivalents are contemplated by the present invention. Table 1 5 sets forth the one-letter codes used within SEQ ID N0:4 to denote degenerate nucleotide positions. "'Resolutions" are the nucleotides denoted by a code letter. "Complement" indicates the code for the complementary nucleotide(s). For example, the code Y denotes either C or T, and its complement R denotes A or G, with A being complementary to T, and G being complementary to C.






One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that some ambiguity is introduced in determining a degenerate codon, representative of all possible codons encoding each amino acid. For example, the degenerate codon for serine (WSN) can, in some circumstances, encode arginine (AGR), and the degenerate codon for arginine (MGN) can, in some circumstances, encode serine (AGY). A similar relationship exists between codons encoding phenylalanine and leucine. Thus, some polynucleotides encompassed by the degenerate sequence may encode variant amino acid sequences, but one of ordinary skill in the art can easily identify such variant sequences by reference to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ED N0:3. Variant sequences can be readily tested for functionality as described herein.
One of ordinary sldll in the art will also appreciate that different species can exhibit "preferential codon usage." In general, see. Grantham, et al., Nuc. Acids Res. 8:1893-912, 1980; Haas, et al. Curr. Biol. 6:315-24, 1996; Wam-Hobson, et al., Gene 13:355-64, 1981; Grosjean and Fiers, Gene 18:199-209, 1982; Flolm, Nuc. Acids Res. 14:3075-87, 1986; Ikemura, J. Mol. Biol. 158:573-97, 1982. As used herein, the term "preferential codon usage" or "preferential codons" is a term of art refening to protein translation codons that are most frequently used in cells of a certain species, thus favoring one or a few representatives of the possible codons encoding each amino acid (See Table 2). For example, the amino acid Threonine (Thr) may be encoded by ACA, ACC, ACG, or ACT, but in mammalian cells ACC is the most commonly used codon; in other species, for example, insect cells, yeast, viruses or bacteria, different Thr codons may be preferential. Preferential codons for a particular species can be introduced into polynucleotides by a variety of methods known in the art. Introduction of preferential codon sequences into recombinant DNA can, for example, enhance production of the protein by maldng protein translation more efficient within a particular cell type or species. Therefore, the degenerate codon sequence disclosed in SEQ ID N0:4 serves as a template for optimizing expression of polynucleotides in various cell types and species commonly used in the art and disclosed herein. Sequences containing preferential codons can be tested and optimized for expression in various species, and tested for functionality as disclosed herein.

Methods for preparing DNA and RNA are well known in the an. In general, RNA is isolated from a tissue or cell that produces large amounts of IL-TFF RNA. Such tissues and cells are identified by Northem blotting (Thomas, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 77:5201, 1980), reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) or by screening conditioned medium from various cell types for activity on target cells or tissue. Once the activity or RNA producing cell or tissue is identified, total RNA can be prepared using guanidinium isothiocyanate extraction followed by isolation by centrifugation in a
CsCl gradient (Chirgwin et al.. Biochemistry 18:52-94, 1979). Poly (A)+ RNA is prepared from total RNA using the method of Aviv and Leder (Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci.
USA 69:1408-12, 1972). Complementary DNA (cDNA) is prepared from poly(A)+ RNA using known methods. In the alternative, genomic DNA can be isolated. Polynucleotides encoding IL-TIF polypeptides are then identified and isolated by, for example, hybridization or PCR.
A full-length clone encoding IL-TIF can be obtained by conventional cloning procedures. Complementary DNA (cDNA) clones are prefeixed, although for some applications (e.g., expression in transgenic animals) it may be preferable to use a genomic clone, or to modify a cDNA clone to include at least one genomic intron. ^ Methods for preparing cDNA and genomic clones are well known and within the level of ordinary sldll in the art, and include the use of the sequence disclosed herein, or parts thereof, for probing or priming a library. Expression libraries can be probed with antibodies to IL-TIF fragments, or other specific binding partners.
IL-TIF polynucleotide sequences disclosed herein can also be used as probes or primers to clone 5' non-coding regions of a IL-TIF gene. In view of the tissue-specific expression observed for EL-TIF by Northem blotting and RT PCR (See, Examples 2 and 3), this gene region is expected to provide for hematopoietic- and lymphoid-specific expression. Promoter elements from a EL-TIF gene could thus be used to direct the tissue-specific expression of heterologous genes in, for example, transgenic animals or patients treated with gene therapy. Cloning of 5' flanking sequences also facilitates production of IL-TEF proteins by "gene activation" as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,641,670. Briefly, expression of an endogenous IL-TIF gene in a cell is altered by introducing into the IL-TIF locus a DNA construct

comprising at least a targeting sequence, a regulatoi'v sequence, an exon, and an unpaired splice donor site. The targeting sequence is a IL-TIP 5' non-coding sequence that permits homologous recombination of the construct with the endogenous IL-TIF locus, whereby the sequences within the construct become operably linked with the endogenous IL-TIF coding sequence. In this way, an endogenous IL-TIF promoter can be replaced or supplemented with other regulatory sequences to provide enhanced, tissue-specific, or otherwise regulated expression.
Counterpart EL-TIF polypeptides and polynucleotides from other species (oithologs) can be isolated. Of particular interest are EL-TIF polypeptides from other mammalian species, including murine, porcine, ovine, bovine, canine, feline, equine, and other primate poly-pepddes. Orthologs of human IL-TIF can be cloned using information and compositions provided by the present invention in combination with conventional cloning techniques well known in the art, e.g., by using degenerate probes based on the disclosed sequences, or PCR (Mullis, U.S. Patent No. 4,683,202) using primers designed from the representative human IL-TIF sequence disclosed herein. Within an additional method, the cDNA library can be used to transform or transfect host cells, and expression of thecDNA of interest can be detected with an antibody to IL-TIF polypeptide, binding studies or activity assays. Similar techniques can also be applied to the isolation of genomic clones. Example 5 shows that a IL-TEF ortholog is present in mouse genomic DNA.
A polynucleotide sequence for the mouse ortholog of human IL-TIF has been identified and is shown in SEQ ID NO:37 and the corresponding amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:38. Analysis of the mouse IL-TIF polypeptide encoded by the DNA sequence of SEQ ID NO:37 revealed an open reading frame encoding 179 amino acids (SEQ ID NO:38) comprising a predicted secretory signal peptide of 33 amino acid residues (residue 1 (Met) to residue 33 (Ala) of SEQ ID NO:38), and a mature polypeptide of 146 amino acids (residue 34 (Leu) to residue 179 (Val) of SEQ ID NO:38). IL-TIF helix A is defined by amino acid residues 53 to 65 of SEQ ID NO:38; helix B by ammo acid residues 92 to 103 of SEQ ID NO;38; helix C by amino acid residues 115 to 124 of SEQ ID NO:38; and helix D by amino acid residues 161 to 174 of SEQ ED NO:38. Four conserved cysteine residues in mouse IL-TIF are

conserved with the human sequence corresponding to amino acid residues 20, 40. 89; and 132 of SEQ ID NO:38. Moreover, in the mouse sequence altenatixe sianing Methionine residues exist at postitions 8 and 13 as shown in SEQ ID N0:3S, but the signal peptide clea\age after residue 33 (Ala) would still result in the 146 amino acid mature sequence as descnbed above. The mature sequence for the mouse IL-TIF besins at Leu34 (as shown in SEQ ID NO:38), which con-esponds to Alaii (as shown in SEQ ID N0:3) in the human sequence. There is about 78% identity between the mouse and human sequences o\er the entire amino acid sequence coiTesponding to SEQ ID N0:3 and SEQ ID N0:3S. The above percent identities were determined using a FASTA program with ktup=:l, gap opening penalty=i2, gap extension penalty=2. and substitution matrix=BLOSUM62, with other FASTA parameters set as default. The coiTesponding polynucleotides encoding the mouse EL-TIF polypeptide regions, domains, motifs, residues and sequences described above are as shown in SEQ ID NO:37.
Those sidlled in the art will recognize that the sequence disclosed in SEQ ID NOT,represents a single allele of human EL-TIF and that allelic variation and alternative splicing are expected to occur. Allelic variants of this sequence can be cloned by probing cDNA or genomic libraries from different individuals according to standard procedures. Allelic variants of the DNA sequence shown in SEQ ID N0:1, including those containing silent mutations and those in which mutations result in amino acid sequence changes, are within the scope of the present invention, as are proteins which are allelic variants of SEQ ID N0:3. cDNAs generated from alternatively spliced niRNAs, which retain the properties of the IL-TIF polypeptide, are included within the scope of the present invention, as are polypeptides encoded by such cDNAs and mRNAs. Allelic variants and splice variants of these sequences can be cloned by probing cDNA or genomic libraries from different individuals or tissues according to standard procedures known in the art.
Moreover, isolation of EL-TIF-encoding nucleic acid molecules that can hybridize under stringent conditions to nucleic acid molecules having the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID N0;1, to nucleic acid molecules having the nucleotide sequence of nucleotides 87 to 587 of SEQ ID N0;1, or to nucleic acid molecules having a

nucleotide sequence complementary to SEQ ID N0:1. is well within the skill of one in th art. See, for example, Sambrook a al., Molecular Cloning: A Laboratoiy Manual, Second Edition (Cold Spring Harbor Press 1989); Ausubel et al., (eds.), Current Protocols in Molecular Biology (John Wiley and Sons. Inc. 1987); Berger and Kimmel (eds.), Guide to Molecular Cloning Techniques, (.Academic Press, Inc. 1987); and Wetmur, Crit. Rev. Biocheni. Mol. Biol. 26:227 (1990)).
To prepare the antibodies or binding polypeptides of the present invention, IL-TEF polypeptides may be used that have a substantially similar sequence identity to the polypeptides of SEQ ID N0:3, or their orthologs. The term "substantially similar sequence identity" is used herein to denote polypeptides comprising at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or greater than 95% sequence identity to the sequences shown in SEQ ID N0:3, or their orthologs. The present invention also includes polypeptides that comprise an amino acid sequence having at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 95% or greater than 95% sequence identity to the sequence of amino acid residues 1 to 167, or 23 to 167 of SEQ ID N0:3; or amino acid residues I -to 179, or 35 to 179 of SEQ ID N0:2. The present invention further includes nucleic acid molecules that encode such polypeptides. Methods for determining percent identity are described below.
Percent sequence identity is determined by conventional methods. See, for example, Altschul et al., Bull. Math. Bio. 48:603 (1986), and Henikoff and Henikoff, Free. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 89:10915 (1992). Briefly, two amino acid sequences are aligned to optimize the alignment scores using a gap opening penalty of 10, a gap extension penalty of 1, and the "BLOSIJM62" scoring matrix of Henikoff and Henikoff {ibid) as shown in Table 3 (amino acids are indicated by the standard one-letter codes).
Total number of identical matches
X 100
[length of the longer sequence plus the number of gaps introduced into the longer sequence in order to align the two sequences]





Those skilled in the art appreciate that there are many established algorithms availahle to align two amino acid sequences. The "FASTA" similarity search algonthm of Pearson and Lipman is a suitable protein alignment method for examining the level of identity shared by an amino acid sequence disclosed herein and the amino acid sequence of a putative variant IL-TIF. The FASTA algorithm is described by Pearson and Lipman, Proc. Nat'l Acad. Sci. USA 85:2444 (1988), and by Pearson, Meth. Enzvmol. 183:63 (1990).
Briefly, FASTA first characterizes sequence similarity by identifying regions shared by the query sequence (e.g., SEQ ID N0:3) and a test sequence that have either the highest density of identities (if the ktup variable is 1) or pairs of identities (if ktup=2), without considering conservative amino acid substitutions, insertions, or deletions. The ten regions with the highest density of identities are then rescored by :omparing the similarity of all paired amino acids using an amino acid substitution Taatrix, and the ends of the regions are "trimmed" to include only those residues that ;ontribute to the highest score. If there are several regions with scores greater than the 'cutoff value (calculated by a predetermined formula based upon the length of the sequence and the ktup value), then the trimmed initial regions are examined to letermine whether the regions can be joined to form an approximate alignment with ?aps. Finally, the highest scoring regions of the two amino acid sequences are aligned ising a modification of the Needleman-Wunsch-Sellers algorithm (Needleman and A^unsch, J. Mol. Biol. 48:444 (1970); Sellers, SIAM J. Appl. Math. 26:787 (1974)), vhich allows for amino acid insertions and deletions. Preferred parameters for FASTA inalysis are: ktup=l, gap opening penalty=10, gap extension penalty=l, and ;ubstitution matrix=BLOSUM62. These parameters can be introduced into a FASTA )rogram by modifying the scoring matrix file ("SMATRIX"), as explained in Appendix • of Pearson, Meth. Enzvmol. 183:63 (1990).
FASTA can also be used to determine the sequence identity of nucleic icid molecules using a rado as disclosed above. For nucleotide sequence comparisons, he ktup value can range between one to six, preferably from three to six, most •referably three, with other FASTA program parameters set as default.

Variant IL-TIF polypeptides or polypeptides with substantially similar sequence identity are characterized as having one or more amino acid substitutions, deletions or additions. These changes are preferably of a minor nature, that is conservative amino acid substitutions (see Table 4) and other substitutions that do not significantly affect the folding or activity of the polypepdde; small deletions, tx-pically of one to about 30 amino acids; and amino- or carboxyl-terminal extensions, such as an amino-terminal methionine residue, a small linker peptide of up to about 20-25 residues, or an affinity tag. The present invention thus includes polypeptides of from about 110 to 180 amino acid residues that compnse a sequence that is at least 70%, preferably at least 90%, and more preferably 95% or more identical to the coiTesponding region of SEQ ID N0:3. Polypeptides comprising affinity tags can further comprise a proteolytic cleavage site between the IL-TIF polypeptide and the affinity tag. Preferred such sites include thrombin cleavage sites and factor Xa cleavage sites.

Table 4 Conservative amino acid substitutions
Basic: arginine
lysine
histidine
Acidic: glutannic acid
aspaitic acid
Polar: glutamine
asparagine Hydrophobic: leucine
isoleucine
valine
Aromatic: phenylalanine
tryptophan
tyrosine
Small: glycine
alanine
serine
threonine
methionine
Determination of amino acid residues that comprise regions or domains that are critical to maintaining structural integrity can be determined. Within these regions one can determine specific residues that will be more or less tolerant of change and maintain the overall tertiary structure of the molecule. Methods for analyzing sequence structure include, but are not limited to alignment of multiple sequences with high amino acid or nucleotide identity, secondary structure propensities, binary patterns, complementary packing and buried polar interactions (Barton, Cuirent Opin. Struct.

Biol. 5:372-376, 1995 and Cordes et al., CuiTent Opin. Striicl. Biol. 6:3-10. 1996). In general, when designing modifications to molecules or identifying specific fragments determination of structure will be accompanied by evaluating activity of modified molecules.
Amino acid sequence changes are made in IL-TIF polypeptides so as to minimize disruption of higher order structure essential to biological activity. For example, when the IL-TIF polypeptide comprises one or more helices, changes in amino acid residues will be made so as not to disrupt the helix geometry and other components of the molecule where changes in conformation abate some critical function, for example, an active site, or binding of the molecule to its bindmg partners. The effects of amino acid sequence changes can be predicted by, for example, computer modeling as disclosed above or determined by analysis of crystal structure (see, e.g., Lapthom et al., Nat. Struct. Biol. 2:266-268, 1995). Other techniques that are well known in the art compare folding of a variant protein to a standard molecule (e.g., the native protein). For example, comparison of the cysteine pattern in a variant and standard molecules can be made. Mass spectrometry and chemical modification using reduction and alkylation provide methods for determining cysteine residues which are associated with disulfide bonds or are free of such associations (Bean et al.. Anal. Biochem. 201:216-226, 1992; Gray, Protein Sci. 2:1732-1748. 1993; and Patterson et al., Anal. Chem. 66:3727-3732, 1994). It is generally believed that if a modified molecule does not have the same cysteine pattern as the standard molecule folding would be affected. Another well known and accepted method for measuring folding is circular dichrosism (CD). Measuring and comparing the CD spectra generated by a modified molecule and standard molecule is routine (Johnson, Proteins 7:205-214, 1990). Crystallography is another well known method for analyzing folding and structure. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), digestive peptide mapping and epitope mapping are also known methods for analyzing folding and structurally similarities between proteins and polypeptides (Schaanan et al.. Science 257:961-964, 1992).
A HoppAVoods hydrophilicity profile of the EL-TIF protein sequence as shown in SEQ K) N0:3 can be generated (Hopp et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci.78:3824-3828, 1981; Hopp, J. Immun. Meth. 88:1-18, 1986 and Triquier et al.. Protein

Engineering 11:153-169. 1998). Tlie profile is based on a sliding six-residue window. Buried G, S, and T residues and exposed H, Y, and W residues were ignored. For example, in IL-TIF, hydrophilic regions include: (1) amino acid number 29 (Arg) to amino acid number 34 (Asn) of SEQ ID N0:3; (2) amino acid number 121 (His) to amino acid number 126 (Asp) of SEQ ID N0:3; (3j amino acid number 134 (Gin) to amino acid number 139 (Thr) of SEQ ID N0:3; (4) amino acid number 137 (Lys) to amino acid number 142 (Lys) of SEQ ID N0:3; and (5) amino acid number 145 (Glu) to amino acid number 150 (Lys) of SEQ ID N0:2.
Those skilled in the art will recognize that hydrophilicity or hydrophobicity will be taken into account when designing modifications in the amino acid sequence of a EL-TIF polypeptide, or in choosing epitopes for generation of antibodies to IL-TIF, so as not to disrupt the overall structural and biological profile. Of particular interest for replacement are hydrophobic residues selected from the group consisting of Val, Leu and He or the group consisting of Met, Gly, Ser, Ala, Tyr and Trp. For example, residues tolerant of substitution could include such residues as , shown in SEQ ID N0:3. Cysteine residues at positions 8, 27. 77 and 120 of SEQK) N0;3, will be relatively intolerant of substitution.
The identities of essential amino acids can also be inferred from analysis of sequence similarity between IL-10, zcytolO, and MDA7 with IL-TIF. Using methods such as "FASTA" analysis described previously, regions of high similarity are identified within a family of proteins and used to analyze amino acid sequence for conserved regions. An alternative approach to identifying a variant IL-TIF polynucleotide on the basis of structure is to determine whether a nucleic acid molecule encoding a potential variant EL-TIF gene can hybridize to a nucleic acid molecule having the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID N0:1, as discussed above.
Other methods of identifying essential amino acids in IL-TIF polypeptides are procedures known in the art, such as site-directed mutagenesis or alanine-scanning mutagenesis (Cunningham and Wells, Science 244:1081 (1989), Bass et al., Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA 88:4498 (1991), Coombs and Corey, "Site-Directed Mutagenesis and Protein Engineering," in Proteins: .Analysis and Design, Angeletti (ed.), pages 259-311 (Academic Press, Inc. 1998)j. In the latter technique, single

alanine mutations are inlroduced at every residue in tlie molecule, and the resultant mutant molecules are tested for biological activity as disclosed below to identif\ amino acid residues that are critical to the activity of the molecule. See also, Hilton e: al, J. Biol. C/i(?n!.27i-.4699 (1996).
The present invention also includes using functional fragments of EL-TIF polypeptides, antigenic epitopes, epitope-bearing portions of IL-TIF polypeptides, and nucleic acid molecules encoding such functional fragments, antigenic epitopes, epitope-bearing portions of IL-TEF polypeptides, to generate polypeptides for use in generating activity blocking or antagonizing antibodies and binding polyepeptides to IL-TIF. A "functional" IL-TIF or fragment thereof as defined herein is characterized by its proliferative or differentiating activity, by its ability to induce or inhibit specialized cell functions, or by its ability to bind specifically to an anti-IL-TlF antibody, cell, or IL-TEF receptor (either soluble or immobilized). As previously described herein, IL-TIF is characterized by a four-helical-bundle structure comprising helix A (amino acid residues 41-53), helix B (amino acid residues 80-91), helix C (amino acid residues 103-116). and helix D (amino acid residues 149-162), as shown in SEQ ID N0:3. Thus, the present invention further contemplates using fusion proteins encompassing: (a) polypeptide molecules comprising one or more of the helices described above; and (b) functional fragments comprising one or more of these helices. The other polypeptide portion of the fusion protein may be contributed by another four-helical-bundle cytokine, such as IL-10, zcytolO, MDA7, IL-15, IL-2, IL-4 and GM-CSF, or by a non-native and/or an unrelated secretory signal peptide that facilitates secretion of the fusion protein.
Routine deletion analyses of nucleic acid molecules can be performed to obtain functional fragments of a nucleic acid molecule that encodes a EL-TIF polypeptide. As an illustration, DNA molecules having the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NOT or fragments thereof, can be digested with BaBl nuclease to obtain a series of nested deletions. These DNA fragments are then inserted into expression vectors in proper reading frame, and the expressed polypeptides are isolated and tested for IL-TIF activity, or for the ability to bind anti-IL-TIF antibodies or IL-TIF receptor. One alternative to exonuclease digestion is to use oligonucleotide-directed mutagenesis

to introduce deletions or stop codons to specify production of a desired IL-TIF fragment. Alternatively, particular fragments of a IL-TIF gene can be synthesized using the polymerase chain reaction.
Standard methods for identifying functional domains are well-known to those of skill in-the art. For example, studies on the truncation at either or both termini of interferons have been summarized by Horisberger and Di Marco, Pharmac. Ther. 66:507 (1995). Moreover, standard techniques for functional analysis of proteins are described by, for example, Treuter et al., Molec. Gen. Genet. 240:113 (1993); Content et al., "Expression and preliminary deletion analysis of the 42 IdDa 2-5A synthetase induced by human interferon," in Biological Interferon Systems. Proceedings of ISIR-TNO Meeting on Interferon Systems, Cantell (ed.), pages 65-72 (Nijhoff 1987); Flerschman, "The EGF Receptor," in Control of Animal Cell Proliferation 1^ Boynton et al., (eds.) pages 169-199 (Academic Press 1985); Coumailleau et al., J. Biol. Chem. 17^:29270 (1995); Fukunaga et al., J. Biol. Chem. 270:25291 (1995); Yamaguchi et al., ' Biochem. Pharmacol. 50:1295 (1995); and Meisel et al., Plant Molec. Biol. 30:1 (1996).
• . . :' , Multiple amino acid substitutions can be made and tested using known . methods of mutagenesis and screening, such as those disclosed by Reidhaar-Olson and Sauer (Science 241:53 (1988)) or Bowie and Sauer (Proc. NatT Acad. Sci. USA 86.-2152 (1989)). Briefly, these authors disclose methods for simultaneously randomizing two or more positions in a polypeptide, selecting for functional polypeptide, and then sequencing the mutagenized polypeptides to determine the spectrum of allowable substitutions at each position. Other methods that can be used include phage display {e.g., Lowman et al., Biochem. 30:10832 (1991), Ladner et al., U.S. Patent No. 5,223,409, Huse, international publication No. WO 92/06204), and region-directed mutagenesis (Derbyshire et al., Gene 46:145 (1986), and Ner et al., DNA7.T27, (1988)).
Variants of the disclosed IL-TEF nucleotide and polypeptide sequences can also be generated through DNA shuffling as disclosed by Stemmer, Nature 370:389 (1994), Stemmer, Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA 91:10747 (1994), and international publication No. WO 97/20078. Briefly, variant DN.^. molecules are generated by in vitro homologous recombination by random fragmentation of a parent DNA followed

by reassembly using fCK, resulting m randomly introduced pomt mutations. This technique can be modified by using a family of parent DNA molecules, such as allelic variants or DNA molecules from different species, to introduce additional variability into the process. Selection or screening for the desired activity, followed by additional iterations of mutagenesis and assay provides for rapid "evolution" of sequences by selecting for desirable mutations while simultaneously selecting against detrimental changes.
Mutagenesis methods as disclosed herein can be combined with high-throughput, automated screening methods to detect activity of cloned, mutagenized polypeptides in host cells. Mutagenized DNA molecules that encode biologically acdve polypeptides, or polypeptides that bind with anti-IL-TIF antibodies or soluble IL-TIF receptor, can be recovered from the host cells and rapidly sequenced using modem equipment. These methods allow the rapid determination of the importance of individual amino acid residues in a polypeptide of interest, and can be applied to polypeptides of unknown structure.'
. In addition, useful antibodies and binding polyepeptides of the present invention, tL-TJP proteins (or polypeptide fragments thereof) can be joined to other bioactive molecules, particularly other cytokines, to provide multi-functional molecules. For example, anti- IL-TIF antibodies and binding partners can be joined to other cytokines to enhance or prolong their biological properties.
The present invention thus contemplates using a series of hybrid molecules in which a segment comprising one or more of the helices of IL-TIF is fused to another polypeptide. Fusion is preferably done by splicing at the DNA level to allow expression of chimeric molecules in recombinant production systems. The resultant molecules are then assayed for such properties as improved solubility, improved stability, prolonged clearance half-life, improved expression and secretion levels, and phaiTnacodynamics. Such hybrid molecules may further comprise additional amino acid residues (e.g. a polypeptide linker) between the component proteins or polypeptides.
Non-naturally occuning amino acids include, without limitation, trans-3-methylproline, 2,4-methanoproline, c/s-4-hydroxyproline, /ra7LS--4-hydroxyproline, N-

melhylglycine, ci//o-threonine, methylthreonine, hydroxyelhylcysteine,
hydroxyethylhomocysLeine, nitroglutamine, homoglutamine, pipecolic acid, thiazolidine carboxylic acid, dehydroproline, 3- and 4-methylproline, 3,3-dimethylproline, tert-leucine, norvaline. 2-azaphenylalanine, 3-azaphen\ialanine, 4-azaphenylalanine. and 4-fluorophenylalanine. Several methods are known in the art for incoiporating non-naturally occumng amino acid residues into proteins. For example, an in vitro system can be employed wherein nonsense mutations are suppressed using chemically aminoacylated suppressor tRNAs. Methods for synthesizing amino acids and aminoacylating tRNA are known in the art. Transcription and translation of plasmids containing nonsense mutations is typically carried out in a cell-free system comprising an £■. coli S30 extract and commercially available enzymes and other reagents. Proteins are purified by chromatography. See, for example, Robertson et al., J. Am. Chem. See. 113:2722 (1991), Ellman et al.. Methods Enzvmol. 202:301 (1991), Chung et al., Science 259:806 (1993), and Chung et al., Proc. Nat'l Acad. Sci. USA 90:10145 (1993).
In a second- method, translation is cairied out in Xenopus oocytes by microinjection of mutated mRNA and chemically aminoacylated suppressor tRNAs (Turcatti et al., J. Biol. Chem. 271:19991 (1996)). Within a third method, E. coli cells are cultured in the absence of a natural amino acid that is to be replaced {e.g., phenylalanine) and in the presence of the desired non-naturally occuiTing amino acid(s) {e.g., 2-azaphenylalanine, 3-azaphenylalanine, 4-azaphenylalanine, or 4-fluorophenylalanine). The non-naturally occurring amino acid is incorporated into the protein in place of its natural counterpart. See, Koide et al., Biochem. 33:7470 (1994). Naturally occurring amino acid residues can be converted to non-naturally occuning species by in vitro chemical modification. Chemical modification can be combined with site-directed mutagenesis to further expand the range of substitutions (Wynn and Richards, Protein Sci. 2.-395 (1993)).
A limited number of non-conservative amino acids, amino acids that are not encoded by the genetic code, non-naturally occurring amino acids, and unnatural amino acids may be substituted for IL-TIF amino acid residues.

The present invention also provides polypeptide fragments or peptides comprising an epitope-bearing portion of a IL-TIF polypeptide described herein. Such fragments or peptides may comprise an "immunogenic epitope," which is a part of a protein that elicits an antibody response when the entire protein is used as an immunogen. Immunogenic epitope-bearing peptides can be identified using standard methods (see, forexam.ple, Geysen et al.. Proc. Kat'l Acad. Sci. USA 81:3998 (1983)).
In contrast, polypeptide fragments or peptides may comprise an "antigenic epitope," which is a region of a protein molecule to which an antibody can specifically bind. Certain epitopes consist of a linear or contiguous stretch of amino acids, and the antigenicity of such an epitope is not disrupted by denaturing agents. It is known in the art that relatively short synthetic peptides that can mimic epitopes of a protein can be used to stimulate the production of antibodies against the protein (see, for example, Sutcliffe et al., Science 219:660 (1983)). Accordingly, antigenic epitope-bearing peptides and polypeptides of the present invention are useful to raise antibodies that bind with the polypeptides described herein. Hopp/Woods hydrophilicity profiles can be used to determine regions that have the most antigenic potential (Hopp et al., 1981, ibid, and Hopp, 19S6, ibid.). In EL-TEF these regions include: (1) amino acid number 29 (Arg) to amino acid number 34 (Asn) of SEQ ID N0:3; (2) amino acid number 121 (His) to amino acid number 126 (Asp) of SEQ ID N0:3; (3) amino acid number 134 (Gin) to amino acid number 139 (Thr) of SEQ ID N0-.3; (4) amino acid number 137 (Lys) to amino acid number 142 (Lys) of SEQ ID N0:3; and (5) amino acid number 145 (Glu) to amino acid number 150 (Lys) of SEQ ID N0:2. Moreover, IL-TIF antigenic epitopes as predicted by a Jameson-Wolf plot, e.g., using DNASTAR Protean program (DNASTAR, Inc., Madison, WI) serve as preferred antigens, and can be determined by one of sldll in the art. Such antigens include (1) amino acid number 28 (Cys) to amino acid number 35 (Phe) of SEQ ID N0:3; (2) amino acid number 52 (Ser) or 55 (Asp) to ammo acid number 59 (Asp) or 62 (Leu) of SEQ ID NO:3; (3) amino acid number 94 (Pro) or 95 (Gin) to amino acid number 100 (Gin) or 103 (Met) of SEQ ID N0:3; (4) amino acid number 113 (Leu) to amino acid number 1 IS (Ser) or 119 (Thr) of SEQ ID N0:3 ; (5) amino acid number 123 (Glu) to amino acid number 126 (Asp) or 128 (His) of SEQ ID N0:3; and (6) amino acid number 134 (Gin) or 144

llh-1 (^tl2 lU NU:J4: comprising ammo acid number 49 (Lys) to amino acid number 77 (Cys) of SEQ ED N0:3) or hulL-TIF-2 (SEQ ID NO:35; comprising amino acid lumber 89 (Glu) to amino acid number 101 (Pro) of SEQ ID N0:3) or huIL-TIF-3 SEQ ID NO:36; comprising amino acid number 132 (Asn) to amino acid number 145 Giu)ofSEQIDNO:3).
Antigenic epitope-bearing peptides and polypeptides preferably contain It least four to ten amino acids, at least ten to fifteen amino acids, or about 15 to about )0 amino acids of SEQ ID N0:3. Such epitope-bearing peptides and polypeptides can le produced by fragmenting a IL-TIF polypeptide, or by chemical peptide synthesis, as iescribed herein. Moreover, epitopes can be selected by phage display of random )eptide libraries (see, for example, Lane and Stephen. Curr. Opin. Immunol. 5:268 1993); and Cortese et al, Curr. Opin. Biotechnol. 7:616 (1996)). Standard methods or identifying epitopes and producing antibodies from small peptides that comprise an ipitope are described, for example, by Mole, "Epitope Mapping," in Methods in >.lolecular Biology, Vol. 10, Manson (ed.), pages 105-116 (The Humana Press, Inc.-.992); Price, "Production and Characterization of Synthetic Peptide-Derivbd ■ \ntibodies," in Monoclonal Antibodies: Production. Engineering, and Clinical Application, Ritter and Ladyman (eds.), pages 60-84 (Cambridge University Press [995), and Coligan et al. (eds.), Current Protocols in Immunology, pages 9.3.1 - 9.3.5 md pages 9.4.1 - 9.4.11 (John Wiley & Sons 1997).
Regardless of the particular nucleotide sequence of a variant IL-i'lb )olynucleotide, the polynucleotide encodes a polypeptide that is characterized by its )ro-inflammatory activity, proliferative or differentiating activity, its ability to induce or nhibit specialized cell functions, or by the ability to bind specifically to an anti-IL-TIF mtibody or IL-TIF receptor. Moi^e specifically, variant EL-TIF polynucleotides will ;ncode polypeptides which exhibit at least 50% and preferably, greater than 70%, 80% )r 90%, of the activity of the polypeptide as shown in SEQ ID N0:3.

For an> IL-TIF polypeptide, including variants and fusion proteins, one of ordinarx' skill in the art can readily generate a fully degenerate polynucleotide sequence encoding that variant using the information set forth in Tables 1 and 2 above.
The present invention further provides a variety of other polypeptide fusions (and related multimeric proteins comprising one or more polypeptide fusions). For example, a IL-TIF polypeptide can be prepared as a fusion to a dimerizing protein as disclosed in U.S. Patents Nos. 5,155,027 and 5,567,584. Prefen-ed dimerizing proteins in this regard include immunoglobulin constant region domains. Immunoglobulin- IL-TIF polypeptide fusions can be expressed in genetically engineered cells (to produce a variety of multimeric IL-TIF analogs). Auxiliary domains can be fused to IL-TIF polypeptides to target them to specific cells, tissues, or macromolecules. For example, a IL-TIF polypeptide or protein could be targeted to a predetermined cell type by fusing a IL-TIF polypeptide to a ligand that specifically binds to a receptor on the surface of that target cell. In this way, polypeptides and proteins can be targeted for therapeutic or diagnostic purposes. A IL-TIF polypeptide can be fused to two or more moieties, such as an affinity tag for purification and a targeting domain. Polypeptide fusions can also comprise one or more cleavage sites, pardcularly between domains. See, Tuan et al., Connective Tissue Research 34:1-9, 1996.
Using the methods discussed herein, one of ordinary skill in the art can identify and/or prepare a variety of polypeptides that have substantially similar sequence identity to amino acid residues 1-167 or 23-167 of SEQ ID NO:3, or functional fragments and fusions thereof, wherein such polypeptides or fragments or fusions retain the properties of the wild-type protein such as the ability to stimulate, enhance or promote inflammation, proliferadon, differentiadon, induce specialized cell function or bind the IL-TIF receptor or EL-TIF antibodies.
For use in generating antibodies or binding polypeptides of the present invention, DL-TIF polypeptides, including full-length polypeptides, functional fragments, antigenic epitopes, epitope-bearing portions of IL-TIF polypeptides, and fusion polypeptides, can be produced in genetically engineered host cells according to conventional techniques. Suitable host cells are those cell types that can be transformed

or transfected with exogenous DNA and grown in culture, and include bacteria, fungal cells, and cultured higher eukaryotic cells. Eukaryotic cells, particularly cultured cells of multicellular organisms, are prefeixed. Techniques for manipulating cloned DNA molecules and introducing exogenous DNA into a vanety of host cells are disclosed by Sambrook et ah, Molecular Cloning; A Laborator\- Manual. 2nd ed.. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, 1989, and Ausubel et a!., eds., CuiTent Protocols in Molecular Biology, John Wiley and Sons, Inc., NY, 1987.
In general, a DNA sequence encoding a IL-TIF polypeptide is operably linked to other genetic elements required for its expression, generally including a transcription promoter and terminator, within an expression vector. The vector will also commonly contain one or more selectable markers and one or more origins of replication, although those skilled in the art will recognize that within certain systems selectable markers may be provided on separate vectors, and replication of the exogenous DNA may be provided by integration into the host cell genome. Selection of promoters, terminators, selectable markers, vectors and other elements is a matter of routine design .within the level of ordinary sldll in the art. Many such elements are described in the literature andare available through commercial suppliers.
To direct a IL-TIF polypepdde into the secretory pathway of a host cell, a secretory signal sequence (also known as a leader sequence, prepro sequence or pre sequence) is provided in the expression vector. The secretory signal sequence may be that of IL-TIF (e.g., amino acid 1 (Met) to 21 (Ala) of SEQ ID N0:3), or may be derived from another secreted protein (e.g., t-PA) or synthesized de novo. The secretory signal sequence is operably linked to the IL-TIF DNA sequence, i.e., the two sequences are joined in the con-ect reading frame and positioned to direct the newly synthesized polypeptide into the secretory pathway of the host cell. Secretory signal sequences are commonly positioned 5' to the DNA sequence encoding the polypeptide of interest, although certain secretory signal sequences may be positioned elsewhere in the DNA sequence of interest (see, e.g., Welch et ak, U.S. Patent No. 5,037,743; Holland et ak, U.S. Patent No. 5,143,830).
Cultured mammalian cells are suitable hosts within the present invention. Methods for introducing exogenous DNA into mammalian host cells are

well known in the art. See, e.g., Wigler et al.. Cell 14:725, 1978; Corsaro and Pearson. Somatic Cell Genetics 7;603, 1981: Graham and Van der Eb. Virology 52:456. 1973; Neumann et al., EMBO J. 1:841-5, 1982; Hawley-Nelson et al.. Focus 15:73. 1993; Ciccarone et al. Focus _l2:80, 1993; and Miller and Rosman, BioTechniques 7:980-90, 1989; Wang and Finer, Nature Med. 2:714-6, 1996. The production of recombinant polypeptides in cultured mammalian cells is disclosed, for example, by Levinson et al., U.S. Patent No. 4,713,339; Hagen et al., U.S. Patent No. 4,784,950; Palmiteret al., U.S. Patent No. 4,579,821; and Ringold, U.S. Patent No. 4,656,134. Suitable cultured mammalian cells include the COS-1 (ATCC No. CRL 1650), COS-7 (ATCC No. CRL 1651), BPIK (ATCC No. CRL 1632), BHK 570 (ATCC No. CRL 10314), 293 (ATCC No. CRL 1573; Graham et al., J. Gen. Virol. 36:59-72, 1977) and Chinese hamster ovary (e.g. CHO-Kl; ATCC No. CCL 61) cell lines. Additional suitable cell lines are known in the art and available from public depositories such as the American Type Culture Collection, Manassas, VA. In general, strong transcription promoters are preferred, such as promoters from SV-40 or cytomegalovirus. See, e.g., U.S. Patent No. 4,956,288. Other suitable promoters include those from metallothionein genes (U.S. Patent Nos. 4,579,821 and 4,601,978) and the adenovirus major late promoter.
Drug selection is generally used to select for cultured mammalian cells into which foreign DNA has been inserted. Such cells are commonly referred to as 'transfectants". Cells that have been cultured in the presence of the selective agent and ire able to pass the gene of interest to their progeny are refen-ed to as "stable :ransfectants." A prefeired selectable marker is a gene encoding resistance to the mtibiotic neomycin. Selection is carried out in the presence of a neomycin-tj^e drug, mch as G-418 or the like. Selection systems can also be used to increase the expression evel of the gene of interest, a process referred to as "amplification." Amplification is carried out by culturing transfectants in the presence of a low level of the selective igent and then increasing the amount of selective agent to select for cells that produce ligh levels of the products of the introduced genes. A preferred amplifiable selectable marker is dihydrofolate reductase, which confers resistance to methotrexate. Other irug resistance genes (e.g. hygromycin resistance, multi-drug resistance, puromycin icetyltransferase) can also be used. Alternative markers that introduce an altered

phenotype, such as green fluorescent protein, or cell surface proteins such as CD4, CDS, Class I iVIHC, placenta! alkaline phosphatase nna\ be used to sort transfected cells from untransfected cells by such means as FACS sorting or magnetic bead separation technology.
Other higher eukaryotic cells can also he used as hosts, including plant cells, insect cells and avian cells known in the art. The use of Agrobacterium rhizogenes as a vector for expressing genes m plant cells has been reviewed by Sinkar et al., J. Biosci. fB an gal ore) 11:47-58, 1987. Transfonnation of insect cells and production of foreign polypeptides therein is disclosed by Guarino et al., U.S. Patent No. 5,162,222 and WIPO publication WO 94/06463. Insect cells can be infected with recombinant baculovirus, commonly derived from Autogi-apha californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus (AcNPV). See, King, L.A. and Possee, R.D., The Baculovirus Expression System: A Laboratory Guide, London, Chapman & Hall; O'Reilly, D.R. et al., Baculovirus Expression Vectors: A Laboratory Manual, New York, Oxford University Press., 1994; and, Richardson, C. D., Ed., Baculovirus Expression Protocols. Methods in Molecular Biology, Totowa, NJ, Humana Press, 1995. The second method of making recombinant baculovirus utilizes a transposon-based system described by Luckow (Luckow, V.A, et al., J Virol 67:4566-79, 1993). See, Hill-Perkins, M.S. and Possee, R.D., J. Gen. Virol. 21:971-6, 1990; Bonning, B.C. et al., J. Gen. Virol. 75:1551-6, 1994; and, Chazenbalk, G.D., and Rapoport, B., J. Biol. Chem. 270:1543-9. 1995. Moreover, vectors can include an in-frame fusion with DNA encoding an epitope tag at the C- or N-terminus of the expressed IL-TIF polypeptide, or polyepeptide fragment, for example, a GIu-Glu epitope tag (Grussenmeyer, T. et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 82:7952-4, 1985). Also, See, in general, Glick and Pasternak, Molecular Biotechnology: Principles and Applications of Recombinant DNA, ASM Press, Washington, D.C., 199; and King, L. A. and Possee, R.D., ibid-; O'Reilly, D.R. et al., ibid.; Richardson, C. D., ibid.).
Fungal cells, including yeast cells, can also be used within the present invention to generate IL-TEF polyepeptides and polyepeptide fragments used to generate antibodies of the present invention. Yeast species of particular interest in this regard include Sacchciromyces cerevisiae, Pichia pastoris, and Pichia methanolica. Methods

for transforming 5. ccrevisiae cells with exogenous DNA and producing recombinant polypeptides therefrom are disclosed by, for example, Kawasaki, U.S. Patent No. 4,599,311; Kawasaki et ak, U.S. Patent No. 4,931.373; Brake, U.S. Patent No. 4,870,008; Welch et ak, U.S. Patent No. 5,037,743; and Murray et ak, U.S. Patent No. 4,845,075; Kingsman et ak, U.S. Patent No. 4,615,974; and Bitter, U.S. Patent No. 4,977,092). See also U.S. Patents Nos. 4,990,446; 5,063,154; 5,139,936 and 4,661,454. See, for example, Gleeson et ak, J. Gen. Microbiol. 132:3459-65, 1986 and Gregg, U.S. Patent No. 4,882,279. Aspergillus cells may be utilized according to the methods of McKnight et ak, U.S. Patent No. 4,935,349. Methods for transforming Acremonium chrysogenum are disclosed by Sumino et ak, U.S. Patent No. 5,162,228. Methods for transforming Neuwspora are disclosed by Lambowitz, U.S. Patent No. 4,486,533.
The use of Pichia methanolica as host for the production of recombinant protems is disclosed in WEPO Publications WO 97/17450, WO 97/17451, WO 98/02536, and WO 98/02565.
Prokaryotic host cells, including strains of the bacteria Escherichia coli. Bacillus and other genera are also useful host cells, within the present invention. Techniques for transforming these hosts and expressing foreign DNA sequences cloned therein are well known in the art (see, e.g., Sambrook et ak, ibid.).
For use in the present invention, it is preferred to purify EL-TIF polyepeptides and polyepeptide fragments to >80% purity, more preferably to >90% purity, even more preferably >95% purity, and particularly preferred is a pharmaceutically pure state, that is greater than 99.9% pure with respect to contaminating macromolecules, particularly other proteins and nucleic acids, and free of infectious and pyrogenic agents. Preferably, a purified polypeptide is substantially free of other polypeptides, particularly other polypepddes of animal origin.
Expressed recombinant IL-TIF polypeptides (or chimeric IL-TIF polypeptides) can be purified using fractionation and/or conventional purification methods and media. Ammonium sulfate precipitation and acid or chaotrope extraction may be used for fractionation of samples. Exemplary purification steps may include hydroxyapatite, size exclusion, FPLG and reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography. Suitable chromatographic media include derivatized dextrans,

agarose, cellulose, polyacrylamide, specialty silicas, and the like. PEI, DEAE, QAE and Q derivatives are preferred. Exemplary chromatographic media include those media derivatized with phenyl, butyl, or octyl groups, such as Phenyl-Sepharose FF (Pharmacia), Toyopearl butyl 650 (Toso Haas, Montgomeryville, PA), Octyl-Sepharose (Pharmacia) and the like; or polyacrylic resins, such as Amberchrom CG 71 (Toso Haas) and the like. Suitable solid supports include glass beads, silica-based resins, cellulosic resins, agarose beads, cross-linked agarose beads, polystyrene beads, cross-linked polyacrylamide resins and the like that are insoluble imcfer the conditions in which they are to be used. These supports may be modified with reactive groups that allow attachment of proteins by amino groups, carbo.xyl groups, sulfhydryl groups, hydroxyl groups and/or carbohydrate moieties. Examples of coupling chemistries include cyanogen bromide activation, N-hydroxysuccinimide activation, epoxide activation, sulfhydryl activation, hydrazide activation, and carboxyl and amino derivatives for carbodiimide coupling chemistries. These and other solid media are well known and widely used in the art, and are available from commercial suppliers. Methods for binding receptor polypeptides to support media are well known in the art. Selection of a particular method is a matter of routine design and is determined in part by the properties of the chosen support. See, for example, Affinity Chromatography: Principles & Methods, Pharmacia LKB Biotechnology, Uppsala, Sweden, 1988.
IL-TIF polyepeptides and polypeptide fragments can be isolated by exploitation of their physical properties. For example, immobilized metal ion adsorption (IMAC) chromatography can be used to purify histidine-rich proteins, including those comprising polyhistidine tags. Briefly, a gel is first charged with divalent metal ions to form a chelate (Sulkowski, Trends in Biochem. 3:1-7, 1985). Histidine-rich proteins will be adsorbed to this matrix with differing affinities, depending upon the metal ion used, and will be eluted by competitive elution, lowering the pH, or use of strong chelating agents. Other methods of purificarion include purification of glycosylated proteins by lectin affinity chromatography and ion exchange chromatography (Methods in Enzvmol., Vol. 182, "Guide to Protein Purification", M. Deutscher, (ed.), Acad. Press, San Diego, 1990, pp.529-39) and use of the soluble IL-TlF receptor. Within additional embodiments of the invention, a fusion

of the polypeptide of interest and an affinity tag (e.g., maltose-binding protein, an immunoglobulin domain) may be constructed to facilitate purification.
Moreover, using methods described in the art, polypeptide fusions, or hybrid IL-TIF proteins, are constructed using regions or domains of IL-TIF in combination with those of other human cytokine family proteins (e.g. interleukins or GM-CSF), or heterologous proteins (Sambrook et al., ibid., Altschul et al., ibid.. Picard, Cur. Opin. Biology, 5:511-5, 1994, and references therein). These methods allow the determination of the biological importance of larger domains or regions in a polypeptide of interest. Such hybrids may alter reaction kinetics, binding, alter cell proliferative activity, constrict or expand the substrate specificity, or alter tissue and cellular localization of a polypeptide, and can be applied to polypeptides of unknown structure.
Fusion proteins can be prepared by methods known to those skilled in the art by preparing each component of the fusion protein and chemically conjugating them. Alternatively, a polynucleotide encoding both components of the fusion protein in the proper reading frame can be generated using known techniques and expressed by the methods described herein. For example, part or all of a helix confemng a biological function may be swapped between IL-TIF with the functionally equivalent helices from another family member, such as IL-10, zcytolO, MDA7, IL-15, IL-2, IL-4 and GM-CSF. Such components include, but are not limited to, the secretory signal sequence, helices A, B, C, D and four-helical-bundle cytokines. Such fusion proteins would be expected to have a biological functional profile that is the same or similar to IL-TIF polypeptides or other known four-helical-bundle cytokine family proteins, depending on the fusion constructed. Moreover, such fusion proteins may exhibit other properties as disclosed herein.
Standard molecular biological and cloning techniques can be used to swap the equivalent domains between the EL-TIF polypeptide and those polypeptides to which they are fused. Generally, a DNA segment that encodes a domain of interest, e.g., IL-TIF helices A through D, or other domain described herein, is operably linked in frame to at least one other DNA segment encoding an additional polypeptide (for instance a domain or region from another cytokine, such as IL-10, or zcytolO, MDA7 or

the like), and inserted inlo an appropriate expression vector, as described herein. Genei'ally DNA constructs are made such that the several DNA segments that encode the corresponding regions of a polypeptide are operably linked in frame to make a single construct that encodes the entire fusion protein, or a functional portion thereof. For example, a DNA construct would encode from N-terminus to C-termmus a fusion protein comprising a signal polypeptide followed by a mature four helical bundle cytokine fusion protein containing helix A, followed by helix B, followed by helix C, followed by helix D. or for example, any of the above as interchanged with equivalent regions from another four helical bundle cytoldne family protein. Such fusion proteins can be expressed, isolated, and assayed for activity as described herein. Moreover, such fusion proteins can be used to express and secrete fragments of the IL-TIF polypeptide, to be used, for example to inoculate an animal to generate anti-IL-TIF antibodies as described herein. For example a secretory signal sequence can be operably linked to helix A, B, C or D, or a combination thereof (e.g., operably linked polypeptides comprising helices A-B, B-C, C-D, A-C, A-D, B-D, or IL-TEF polypeptide fragments described herein), to.secrete a fragment of IL-TIF polypeptide that can be purified as described herein and serve as an antigen to be inoculated into an animal to produce anti-EL-TEF antibodies, as described herein.
EL-TIF polypeptides or fragments thereof may also be prepared through chemical synthesis. IL-TIF polypeptides may be monomers or multimers; glycosylated or non-glycosylated; pegylated or non-pegylated; and may or may not include an initial methionine amino acid residue. For example, the polypeptides can be prepared by solid phase peptide synthesis, for example as described by Merrifield, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 85:2149, 1963.
The activity of IL-TEF molecules can be measured using a variety of assays that measure proliferation of and/or binding to cells expressing the IL-TIF receptor. Of particular interest are changes in IL-TIF-dependent cells. Suitable cell lines to be engineered to be IL-TIF-dependent include the IL-3-dependent BaF3 cell line (Palacios and Steinmetz, Ceh fii: 727-734, 1985; Mathey-Prevot et al., Mol. Cell. Biol 6:4133-4135. 1986), FDC-Pl CHapel et al.. Blood 64: 786-790. 1984), and M07e (Kiss et al., Leukemia 7: 235-240, 1993). Growth factor-dependent cell lines can be

established according lo [uiblishcd mcihods fe.g. Greenberger et a!., Leukemia Res. S: 363-375, 1984; Dexter el al., in Baiim cl al. Eds.. Experimental Hematology Today. 8th Ann. Mtg. Int. Soc. Exp. Hematol. 1979. 1-15-156, 1980). For example, Baf3 cells expressing the IL-TIF heterodimeric i-cccpK^- zcytorl l/C[vF2-4, as described herein, can be used to assay the activity of lE-Tll". IL-TlF receptor-binding fragments, and EL-TIF variants. The BaF3 stable cell line that co-expressing zcytorll and CRF2-4 (IL-TIF receptor) exhibits dose-dcpcndent proliferative response to IL-TEF protein in the media without IL-3.
IL-TIF is useful for stimulating proliferation, activation, differentiation and/or induction or inhibition of specialized cell function of cells involved in homeostasis of hematopoicsis and immune function. In particular, IL-TIF polypeptides are useful for stimulating proliferation, activation, differentiation, induction or inhibition of specialized cell functions of cells of the hematopoetic lineages, including, but not limited lo, T cells, B cells, NK cells, dendritic cells, monocxtes, and macrophages. Proliferation and/or differentiation of hematopoietic cells can be measured in vitro using cultured cells or in vivo by administering IL-TIF molecules to the appropriate animal model. Antibodies or binding polypeptides of the present invention can be assessed by showing antagonism or inhibition of such activities. Assays measuring cell proliferation or differentiation are well known in the art. For example, assays measuring proliferation include such assays as chemosensitivity to neutral red dye (Cavanaugh et al.. Investigational New Drugs ^■.347-354, 1990, incorporated herein by reference), incoq^oration of radiolabelled nucleotides (Cook et al.. Analytical Biochem. 179:1-7. 1989, incorporated herein by reference), incorporation of 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) in the DNA of proliferating cells (Porstmann et al., J. Immunol. Methods 82:169-179, 1985, incorporated herein by reference), and use of tetrazolium salts (Mosmann, J. Immunol. Methods 65:55-63, 1983; Alley et al., Cancer Res, 48:589-601, 1988; Marshall et al.. Growth Reg. 5:69-84, 1995; and Scudiero et al.. Cancer Res. 48:4827-4833, 1988; all incorporated herein by reference). Assays measuring differentiation include, for example, measuring cell-surface markers associated with stage-specific expression of a tissue, enzymatic activity, functional activity or moiphological changes (VVaii, FASEB. 5:281-284, 1991; Francis,

Diffei-enliation 52:63-75, 1994; Raes, Adv. Anim. Cell Biol. Technol. Bioprocesses. 161-171, 1989; all incorporated herein by reference).
IL-10 is a cytokine that inhibits production of other cytokines, induces proUferation and differentiation of activated B lymphocytes, inhibits HIV-1 reolication and exhibits antagonistic effects on gamma interferon. lL-10 appears to e.xist as a dimer formed from two alpha-helical polypeptide regions related by a 180° rotation. See, for e.\ample. Zdanov et al, Structure: 3{b): 591-601 (1996). IL-10 has been reported to be a product of activated Th2 T-cells, B-cells, keratinocNtes and monocytes/macrophages that is capable of modulating a Thl T-cell response. Such modulation may be accomplished by inhibiting cytokine synthesis by Thl T-ce!ls. See, for example, Hus et al, Int. Immunol. 4: 563 (1992) and D'Andrea et al., J. Exp. Med. 178: 1042 (1992). IL-10 has also been reported to inhibit cytokine synthesis by natural killer cells and monocytes/macrophages. See, for example, Hus et al. cited above and Fiorentino et al., J. Immunol. 146: 3444 (1991). In addition, DL-IO has been found to have a protective effect with respect to insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. Similarly, as a cytokine sharing polypeptide structure and som.e-sequence similarity to IL-10, IL-TIF can have these above disclosed activities, and the assays used to assess IL-10 activity can be applied to assay IL-TIF activity.
EL-TIF can be assayed in vivo using viral delivery systems. Exemplary viruses for this purpose include adenovirus, herpesvirus, retroviruses, vaccinia virus, and adeno-associated virus (AAV). Adenovirus, a double-stranded DNA virus, is currently the best studied gene transfer vector for delivery of heterologous nucleic acid (for review, see T.C. Becker et al., Meth. Cell Biol. 43:161-89, 1994; and J.T. Douglas and D.T. Curiel, Science & Medicine 4:44-53, 1997). The adenovirus system offers several advantages: (i) adenovirus can accommodate relatively large DNA inserts; (ii) can be grown to high-titer; (iii) infect a broad range of mammalian cell types; and (iv) can be used with many different promoters including ubiquitous, tissue specific, and regulatable promoters. Also, because adenoviruses are stable in the bloodstream, they can be administered by intravenous injection.
Using adenovirus vectors where portions of the adenovirus genome are deleted, inserts are incoiporated into the viral DNA by direct ligation or by homologous

recombination with a co-transfected plasmid. In an exemplary system, the essential El gene has been deleted from the viral vector, and the virus will not replicate urdess the El gene is provided by the host cell (the human 293 cell line is exemplary). When intravenously administered to intact animals, adenovirus primarily targets the 'iver. If the adenoviral deliver}" system has an El gene deletion, the virus cannot replicate in the host cells. However, the host's tissue (e.g., liver) will express and process (and, if a secretory signal sequence is present, secrete) the heterologous protein. Secreted proteins will enter the circulation in the highly vascularized liver, and effects on the infected animal can be determined.
Moreover, adenoviral vectors containing various deletions of viral genes can be used in an attempt to reduce or eliminate immune responses to the vector. Such adenoviruses are El deleted, and in addition contain deletions of E2A or E4 (Lusky, M. et al., J. Virol. 72:2022-2032, 1998; Raper, S,E. et al.. Human Gene Therapy 9;671-679, 1998). In addition, deletion of E2b is reported to reduce immune responses (Amalfitano, A. et al., J. Virol. 72:926-933, 1998). Moreover, by deleting the entire adenovirus genome, very large inserts of heterologous DNA can be accommodated. Generation of so called "gutless" adenoviruses where all viral genes are deleted are particularly advantageous for insertion of large inserts of heterologous DNA. For review, see Yeh, P. and Perricaudet, M., FASEB J. 11:615-623, 1997.
The adenovirus system can also be used for protein production in vitro. By culturing adenovirus-infected cells under conditions where the cells are not rapidly dividing, the cells can produce proteins for extended periods of time. For instance, BHK cells are grown to confluence in cell factories, then exposed to the adenoviral vector encoding the secreted protein of interest. The cells are then grown under serum-free conditions, which allows infected cells to survive for several weeks without significant cell division. Alternatively, adenovirus vector infected 293 cells can be grown as adherent cells or in suspension culture at relatively high cell density to produce significant amounts of protein (See Gamier et al., Cytotechnol. 15:145-55, 1994). With either protocol, an expressed, secreted heterologous protein can be repeatedly isolated from the cell culture supernatant, lysate, or membrane fractions

depending on the disposition of the expressed protein in the celL Within the infected 293 cell production protocoL non-seci'eted proteins may also be effectiveh' obtained.
In view of the tissue distribution observed for IL-TIF receptor agonists (including the natural ligand/ substrate/ cofactor/ etc.) and/or antagonists have enormous potential in both in vitro and in vivo applications. Compounds identified as ri-.-TLF' agonists arc useful for expansion, proliferation, activation, differentiation, and/or induction or inhibition of specialized cell functions of cells involved in homeostasis of hematopoiesis and immune function. Agonists are thus useful in specifically promoting the growth and/or development of T-cells, B-cells, platelets and other cells of the lymphoid and myeloid lineages ex vivo or in culture.
Antagonists, such as antibodies and binding partners of the present invention are useful to diagnose and treat diseases that manifest acurte and chronic inflammation, as they can decrease inflammation induced by IL-TIF. Antagonists are also useful as research reagents for characterizing sites of ligand-receptor interaction. Antagonists are useful to reduce or ablate inflammation and may be involved in inhibiting expansion, proliferation, activation, and/or differentiation of cells involved in regulating hematopoiesis. Inhibitors of EL-TIF activity (IL-TIF antagonists) include anti-IL-TDF antibodies, binding polypeptides and and soluble IL-TIF receptors, as well as other peptidic and non-pepddic agents (including ribozymes).
DL-TIF can also be used to identify inhibitors (antagonists) of its activity. Test compounds are added to the assays disclosed herein to identify compounds that inhibit the activity of IL-TIF. In addition to those assays disclosed herein, samples can be tested for inhibition of IL-TIF activity within a variety of assays designed to measure receptor binding, the stimulation/inhibition of IL-TIF-dependent cellular responses or proliferation of IL-TIF receptor-expressing cells.
A EL-TIF polypeptide can be expressed as a fusion with an immunoglobulin heavy chain constant region, typically an F^ fragment, which contains
two constant region domains and lacks the variable region. Methods for preparing such fusions are disclosed in U.S. Patents Nos. 5,155,027 and 5,567,584. Such fusions are typically secreted as multimeric molecules wherein the Fc portions are disulfide bonded to each other and two nonTg polypeptides are ari'ayed in closed proximity to each other.

Fusions of this type can be used to (e.g., for dimerization, inci-easing stabiliiy and in vivo half-life, affmit}' purify ligand, in vitro assay tool, antagonist). For use in assays, the chimeras ai'c bound to a support via the F^ region and used in an ELISA format. Fc
fusions may represent preferred therapeutic proteins wth different pharmacokinetics and altei'ed action.
To assist in isoFating anti-lL-TBF and binding partners of the present invention, an assay system that uses a ligand-binding receptor (or an antibody, one member of a complement/ anti-complement pair) or a binding fragment thereof, and a commercially available biosensor instrument (BIAcore, PhaiTnacia Biosensor, Piscataway, NJ) may be advantageously employed. Such receptor, antibody, member of a complement/anti-complement paii' or fragment is immobilized onto the surface of a receptor chip. Use of this instrument is disclosed by Karlsson, J. Immunol. Methods 145:229-40, 1991 and Cunmngham and Wells, J. Mol. Biol. 234:554-63, 1993. A receptor, antibody, member or fragment is covalently attached, using amine or sulfhydryl chemistry, to dextran fibers that are attached to gold film within the flow cell. A test sample is passed through the cell. If a ligand, epitope, or opposite member of the complement/anti-complement pair is present in the sample, it will bind to the immobilized receptor, antibody or member, respectively, causing a change in the refractive index of the medium, which is detected as a change in surface plasmon resonance of the gold film. This system allows the determination of on- and off-rates, from which binding affinity can be calculated, and assessment of stoichiometry of binding. Alternatively, ligand/receptor binding can be analyzed using SEIX)I(TM) technology (Ciphergen, Inc., Palo Alto, CA). Moreover, BIACORE technology, described above, can be used in competition experiments to determine if different monoclonal antibodies bind the same or different epitopes on the IL-TIF polypeptide, and as such, be used to aid in epitope mapping of neutralizing anti-IL-TEF antibodies of the present invention.
Ligand-binding receptor polypeptides can also be used within other assay systems known in the art. Such systems include Scatchard analysis for determination of binding affinity (see Scatchard, Ann. NY Acad. Sci. 51: 660-72, 1949)

and calorimetvic assays (CLmningham el al.. Science 253:545-48, 1991; Cunningham et al., Science 245:821-25, 1991).
IL-TIF polypeptides can also be used to prepare antibodies of the present invention that - bind to IL-TlF epitopes, peptides or polypeptides. The IL-TIF polypeptide or a fragment thereof serves as an antigen (immunogen) to inoculate an animal and elicit an immune response. Such antibodies can be used to block the biological action of pro-inflammatory IL-TEF and are useful as anti-inflammatory therapeutics in a variety of diseases as described herein. One of skill in the art would recognize that antigenic, epitope-bearing polypeptides contain a secjuence of at least 6, preferably at least 9, and more preferably at least 15 to about 30 contiguous amino acid residues of a IL-TIF polypeptide (e.g., SEQ ID N0:3). Polypeptides comprising a larger portion of a IL-TIF polypeptide, i.e., from 30 to 100 residues up to the entire length of the amino acid sequence are included. Antigens or immunogenic epitopes can also include attached tags, adjuvants and carriers, as described herein. Suitable antigens include the IL-TIF polypeptide encoded by SEQ ID N0:3 from amino acid number 23 to amino acid number 167, or a contiguous 9 to 144, or 30 to 144 amino acid fragment thereof. Other suitable antigens include helices of the four-helical-bundle structure, as described herein. Preferred peptides to use as antigens are hydrophilic peptides such as those predicted by one of sldll in the art from a hydrophobicity plot, as described herein. For example suitable hydrophilic peptides include: (1) amino acid number 29 (Arg) to amino acid number 34 (Asn) of SEQ ID N0:3; (2) amino acid number 121 (His) to amino acid number 126 (Asp) of SEQ ID N0:3; (3) amino acid number 134 (Gin) to amino acid number 139 (Thr) of SEQ ID N0:3; (4) amino acid number 137 (Lys) to amino acid number 142 (Lys) of SEQ ID N0:3; and (5) amino acid number 145 (Glu) to amino acid number 150 (Lys) of SEQ ID N0:2. Moreover, IL-TIF antigenic epitopes as predicted by a lameson-Wolf plot, e.g., using DNASTAR Protean program (DNASTAR, Inc., Madison, WI) serve as preferred antigens, and are determined by one of skill in the art, and described herein. Such antigens include (1) amino acid number 28 (Cys) to amino acid number 35 (Phe) of SEQ ID N0:3; (2) amino acid number 52 (Ser) or 55 (Asp) to amino acid number 59 (Asp) or 62 (Leu) of SEQ ID N0:3; (3)

amino acid luimlx-i- 94 (Pro) or 95 (Gin) to amino acid number 100 (Gin) or 103 (Met) of S.EQ ID N0:3; (4) amino acid number 113 (Leu) to amino acid nmrnber 1 IS (Ser) or 119 (Thr) of SEQ ID N0:3 ; (5) amino acid number 123 (Glu) lo amino acid number 126 (Asp) or 128 (His) of SEQ ID N0:3; and (6) ammo acid number 134 (Gin) or 144 (Gly) to amino acid number 147 (G!y) of SEQ ID N0:3. Other antigens include huIL-TLF-1 (SEQ ID NO;34; comprising amino acid number 49 (Lys) to amino acid number 77 (Cys) of SEQ ID N0:3) or huIL-TIF-2 (SEQ ID NO:35; comprising amino acid number 89 (Glu) to amino acid number 101 (Pro) of SEQ ID N0:3) or huIL-TIF-3 (SEQ ID NO:36; comprising amino acid number 132 (Asn) to amino acid number 145 (Glu) of SEQ ID NO;3).
Antibodies from an immune response generated by inoculation of an animal with these antigens (or immunogens) can be isolated and purified as described herein. Methods for preparing and isolating polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies are well known in the art. See, for example, Current Protocols in Immunology, Cooligan, et al. (eds.), National Institutes of Health, John Wiley and Sons, Inc., 1995; Sambrook et al.. Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, Second Edition, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, 1989; and Hurrell, J. G. R., Ed., Monoclonal Hvbridoma Antibodies: Techniques and Applications, CRC Press, Inc., Boca Raton, FL, 1982.
As would be evident to one of ordinary skill in the art, polyclonal antibodies can be generated from inoculating a variety of warm-blooded animals such as horses, cows, goats, sheep, dogs, chickens, rabbits, mice, and rats with a IL-TIF polypeptide or a fragment thereof. The immunogenicity of a IL-TIF polypeptide may be increased through the use of an adjuvant, such as alum (aluminum hydroxide) or Freund's complete or incomplete adjuvant. Polypeptides useful for immunization also include fusion polypeptides, such as fusions of IL-TIF or a portion thereof with an immunoglobulin polypeptide or with maltose binding protein. The polypeptide immunogen may be a full-length molecule or a portion thereof. If the polypeptide portion is "hapten-like", such portion may be advantageously joined or linked to a macromolecular carrier (such as keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH), bo\'ine serum albumin (BSA) or tetanus toxoid) for immunization.

As used herein, ihe lerm "antibodies" includes polyclonal antibodies, affmity-punfied polyclonal antibodies, monoclonal antibodies, and antigen-binding fragments, such as F(L;b')2 and Fab proteolytic fragments. Genetically engineered intact antibodies or fragments, such as chimeric antibodies. Fv fragments, single chain antibodies and the like, as well as synthetic antigen-binding peptides and polypeptides, are also included. Kon-human antibodies may be humanized by grafting non-human CDRs onto human framework and constant regions, or by incorporating the entire non-human variable domains (optionally "cloaking" them with a human-like surface by replacement of exposed residues, wherein the result is a '"veneered" antibody). In some instances, humanized antibodies may retain non-human residues within the human variable region framework domains to enhance proper binding characteristics. Through humanizing antibodies, biological half-life may be mcreased, and the potential for adverse immune reactions upon administration to humans is reduced. iSloreover, human antibodies can be produced in transgenic, non-human animals that have been engineered to contain human immunoglobulin genes as disclosed in WIPO Publication WO 98/24893. It is prefen-ed that the endogenous im-munoglobulin genes in these animals be inactivated or eliminated, such as by homologous recombination.
Antibodies are considered to be specifically binding if: 1) they exhibit a threshold level of binding activity, and 2) they do not significantly cross-react with related polypeptide molecules. A threshold level of binding is detennined if anti-EL-TIF antibodies herein bind to a IL-TIF polypeptide, peptide or epitope with an affinity at least 10-fold greater than the binding affinity to control (non-IL-TIF) polypeptide. It
is prefeiTed that the antibodies exhibit a binding affinity (Ka) of 10 M" or greater,
7-1 8-1
preferably 10 M or greater, more preferably 10 M or greater, and most preferably
10 M or greater. The binding affinity of an antibody can be readily determined by one of ordinary sldll in the art, for example, by Scatchard analysis (Scatchard, G., Ann. NY Acad. Sci. 5i: 660-672, 1949).
Whether anti-IL-TIF antibodies do not significantly cross-react with related polypeptide molecules is shown, for example, by the antibody detecting IL-TIF polypeptide but not known related polypeptides using a standard Western blot analysis

(AusLibel et al., ibid.). Examples of knov\'n related polypeptides are those diselosed in the prior art, such as known oi'thologs, and pai'alogs, and similar known membei's of a protein family. Sci-eening can also be done using non-human IL-TIF. and IL-dlF mutant polypeptides. Moreover, antibodies can be "screened against" known related polypeptides, to isolate a population that specifically binds lo the IL-TIF poKpeptides. For example, antibodies raised to IL-TIF are adsorbed to related polypeptides adhered to insoluble matrix; antibodies specific to IL-TIF will flow through the matrix under the proper buffer conditions. Screening allows isolation of polyclonal and mionoclonal antibodies non-crossreactive to known closely related polypeptides (.Antifiodies: A Laboratory Manual, Harlow and Lane (eds.), Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, 1988; CuiTcnt Protocols in Immunology, Cooligan. et al. (eds.), National Institutes of Health, lohn Wiley and Sons, Inc., 1995). Screening and isolation of specific antibodies is well known in the art. See, Fundamental Immunoloev, Paul (eds.), Raven Press, 1993; Getzoff et al.. Adv. in Immunol. 43: 1-98, 1988; Monoclonal Antibodies: Principles and Practice, Coding, I.W. (eds.), Academic Press Ltd., 1996; Benjamin et al., Ann. Rev. Immunol. 2: 67-101, 1984. Specifically binding anti-D.-TIF antibodies can be detected by a number of methods in the art, and disclosed below.
A variety of assays known to those skilled in the art can be utilized to detect antibodies which bind to IL-TIF proteins or polypeptides. Exemplary assays are described in detail in Antibodies: A Laboratory Manual, Harlow and Lane (Eds.), Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, 1988. Representative examples of such assays include: concurrent immunoelectrophoresis, radioimmunoassay, radioimmuno-precipitation, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), dot blot or Westem blot assay, inhibition or competition assay, and sandwich assay. In addition, antibodies can be screened for binding to wild-type versus mutant IL-TIF protein or polypeptide.
Alternative techniques for generating or selecting antibodies useful herein include in vitro exposure of lymphocytes to IL-TIF protein or peptide, and selection of antibody display libraries in phage or similar vectors (for instance, through use of immobilized or labeled IL-TIF protein or peptide). Genes encoding polypeptides having potential IL-TIF polypeptide binding domains can be obtained b\' screening random peptide libraries displayed on phage (phage display) or on bacteria, such as E.

coli. Nucleolide sequences encoding the polypcptidei can be obtamed in a number of ways, sucii as Llirough I'andom mutagenesis and random polynucleotide synthesis. These random peptide display libraries can be used to screen foi' peptides whicr. interact with a known target which can be a protein or polypeptide, such as a ligand or receptor, a biological or synthetic macromolecule. or organic or inorganic substances. Techniques for creating and screening such random peptide display libraries are known in the art (Ladncr et al., US Patent NO, 5,223,40t>. Ladner et al., US Patent NO. 4,946,778; Ladner et al., US Patent NO. 5,403,484 and Ladner et al., US Patent NO. 5,571,698) and randcMn peptide display libraries and i-uts for screening such libraries are available commercially, for instance from Clontech (Palo Alto, CA),Tnvitrogen Inc. (San Diego, CA). New England Biolabs, Inc. (Be\erly, MA) and Pharmacia LKB Biotechnology Inc. (Piscataway, NJ). Random peptide display libraries can be screened using the IL-TIF sequences disclosed herein to identify proteins which bind to EL-TIF. These "binding polypeptides" which interact with IL-TIF polypeptides can be used for tagging cells; for isolating homolog polypeptides by affinity purification; they can be directly or indirectly conjugated to drugs, toxins, radionuclides and the like. These binding polypeptides can also be used in analytical methods such as for screening expression libraries and neutralizing activity, e.g.. for blocking interaction between ligand and receptor, or viral binding to a receptor. The binding polypeptides can also be used for diagnostic assays for determining circuladng levels of IL-TIF polypeptides; for detecting or quantitating soluble IL-TIF polypeptides as marker of underlying pathology or disease. These binding polypeptides can also act as IL-TIF "antagonists" to block IL-TIF binding and signal transduction in vitro and in vivo. These anti-IL-TIF binding polypeptides would be useful for inhibiting IL-TIF activity or protein-binding.
Antibodies to EL-TIF may be used for tagging cells that express IL-TIF; for isoladng EL-TIF by affinity puiification; for diagnostic assays for determining circulating levels of IL-TIF polypeptides; for detecting or quantitating soluble IL-TIF as a marker of underlying pathology or disease; in analytical methods employing FACS; for screening expression libraries; for generadng anti-idiotypic andbodies; and as neutralizing antibodies or as antagonists to block IL-TIF activity in vitro and in vivo. Suitable direct tags or labels include radionuclides, enzymes, substrates, cofactors,

inhibitors, fluoi-csceni niariccrs, chemiluminescent markers, magnetic particles and tlie like; indirect tags or labels may feature use o[ bi()tin-a\idin or other comnleir.cnt/anti-complcment pairs as intermediates. Antibodies herein may also be dirccth' or indirectly conjugated to drugs, toxins, radiouLiclides and the like, and these conjugates used for in vivo diagnostic or therapeutic applications. Moreo\er. antibodies to IL-TIF or fragments thereof ma\' be used in vitro to detect denatured IL-TTF or fragments thereof in assays, for example. Western Blots or other assays known in the ait.
Several anti-human-IL-TlF neutralizing monoclonal antibodies have been made and hybridomas expressing said neutralizing antibodies were deposited in the ATCC. Hybridomas expressing neutralizing monoclonal antibodies to human IL-TIF were deposited with the American Type Tissue Culture Collection (ATCC; Manassas VA) patent depository as original deposits under the Budapest Treaty and were given the following ATCC Accession No.s: 266.16. L4.4.1 (.^TCC [#=#####]); 266.5.1.2.2.3 (ATCC [#######]); 267,17.1.1.4.1 (ATCC [#######]); 267.4.1.1.4.1 (ATCC [#######]): 266.12.6.1.3.2.1 (ATCC [####=##]); 266.19.1.10.5.2 (ATCC [#######]. Such antibodies can be humanized, and modified as desciibed herein, and used therauputically to treat psoiiasis, psoriatic arthritis, IBD, colitis, endoto.xemia as well as in other therapeutic applications described herein.
Antibodies or polypeptides herein can also be directly or indirectly conjugated to drugs, toxins, radionuclides and the like, and these conjugates used for in vivo diagnostic or therapeutic applications. For instance, polypeptides or antibodies of the present invention can be used to identify or treat tissues or organs that express a corresponding anti-complementary molecule (receptor or antigen, respectively, for instance). More specifically, IL-TIF polypeptides or anti-IL-TIF antibodies, or bioactive fragments or portions thereof, can be coupled to detectable or cytotoxic molecules and delivered to a mammal having cells, tissues or organs that express the anti-complementary molecule.
Suitable detectable molecules may be directly or indirectly attached to the polypeptide or antibody, and include radionuclides, enzymes, substrates, cofactors, inhibitors, fluorescent markers, chemiluminescent markers, magnetic particles and the like. Suitable cytotoxic molecules may be directly or indirectly attached to the

poiN'pcpLiuc ur aniiD.^Liy, Lina inciucie nacieriai or plant loxms nor insiancc, a;pntnena toxin, Fscudoiuonas cxoloxin, ricm. abrin and the like), as well as irerapeutic radionuclides, such as iodine-131, rhenium-JSS or yrLrium-90 (either directh. attached to the polypeptide or antibody, or indirectly attached through means of a chelating moieiy, for instance. Polypeptides or antibodies ma\ also be conjugated to cytotoxic drugs, such as adriamycin. For indirect attachment of a detectable or cytotoxic molecule, the delectable or cytotoxic molecule can be conjugated with a member of a complementary/ anticomplementary pair, where the other member is bound to the polypeptide or antibody portion. For these puifjoses, biotin/streptavidin is an exemplary complementary/ anticomplementary pair.
In another embodiment, polypeptide-toxin fusion proteins or antibody-toxin fusion proteins can be used for targeted cell or tissue inhibition or ablation (for instance, to treat cancer cells or tissues). Alternatively, if the polypeptide has multiple functional domains (i.e., an activation domain or a receptor binding domain, plus a targeting domain), a fusion protein including only the targeting domain may be suitable for directing a detectable molecule, a cytotoxic molecule or a complementary molecule to a cell or tissue type of interest. In instances where the domain only fusion protein includes a complementary molecule, the anti-complementary molecule can be conjugated to a detectable or cytotoxic molecule. Such domaiTi-complementary molecule fusion proteins thus represent a generic targeting vehicle for cell/tissue-specific delivery of generic anti-complementary-detectable/ cytotoxic molecule conjugates. Such cytokine toxin fusion proteins can be used for in vivo killing of target tissues.
In another embodiment, EL-TIF cytokine fusion proteins or antibody-cytoldne fusion proteins can be used for in vivo killing of target tissues (for example, leukemia, lymphoma, lung cancer, colon cancer, melanoma, pancreatic cancer, ovarian cancer, blood and bone marrow cancers, or other cancers wherein TL-TIF receptors are expressed) (See, generally, Flomick et al.. Blood 89:4437-47, 1997). The descnbed fusion proteins enable targeting of a cytokine to a desired site of action, thereby providing an elevated local concentration of cytokine. Suitable IL-TIF polypeptides or anti-IL-TlF antibodies target an undesirable cell or tissue (i.e., a tumor or a leukemia),

and tlic fused cuokme mediated improved tai'get cell b.'sis b\- effectni- cells. Suitable cyKikmes l"or ilr.s pL;:pose mclude interleukin 2 and eraniiloeytc-maci-opliage colony-stmiulanng factor (GM-CSF), foi'instance.
Ir, yet another embodiment, if the IL-TIF polypeptide or anti-IL-TIF antibod\ targets vascular cells or tissues, such polypeptide or antibodx may be conjugated with a radionuclide, and particularly with a beta-emitting radionuclide, to reduce restenosis. Such therapeutic approaches pose less danger to clinicians who administer the radioactive therapy. For instance, iridium-192 impregnated ribbons placed into stented \essels of patients until the required radiation dose was delivered showed decreased tissue growth in the vessel and greater luminal diameter than the control group, which received placebo ribbons. Further, revascularisation and stent thrombosis were significantly lower in the treatment group. Similar results are predicted with targeting of a bioactive conjugate containing a radionuclide, as described herein.
The bioactive polypeptide or antibody conjugates described herein can be delivered intravenously, intraarterially or intraductally, or may be introduced locally at the intended site of action.
Moreover, inflammation is a protective response by an organism to fend off an invading agent. Inflammation is a cascading event that involves many cellular and humoral mediators. On one hand, suppression of inflammatory responses can leave a host immunocompromised; however, if left unchecked, inflammation can lead to serious complications including chronic inflammatory diseases (e.g., psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, colitis, and the like), sepdc shock and multiple organ failure. Importantly, these diverse disease states share common inflammatory mediators. The collective diseases that are characterized by inflammation have a large impact on human morbidity and mortality. Therefore it is clear that anti-inflammatory antibodies and binding polypeptides, such as anti-IL-TIF antibodies and binding polypeptides described herein, could have crucial therapeutic potential for a \'ast number of human and animal diseases, from asthma and allergy to autoimanunity and septic shock. As such, use of anti-inflammator\' anti IL-TIF

anlibodies and bindnig polypeptides described herein can be used tiierapeutica'.'A' as IL-TFF antagonists described herein, particularly in diseases such as aithrilis. end 1. .Arthritis
.Arthniis, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, arthritic joints as a result of injury, and the like, are common inflamiTiatory conditions which would benefit from the therapeutic use of anti-inflammatory antibodies and binding polypeptides, such as anti-IL-TIF antibodies and binding polypeptides of the present invention. For E.xainple, rheumatoid arthritis (R.A.) is a systemic disease that affects the entire body and is one of the most common forms of arthritis. It is characterized by the inflammation of the membrane lining the joint, which causes pain, stiffness, wamith, redness and swelling. Inflammatory cells release enzymes that may digest bone and cartilage. As a result of rheumatoid ailhrids, the inflamed joint lining, the synovium, can invade and damage bone and cartilage leading to joint deterioration and severe pain amongst other physiologic effects. The involved joint can lose its shape and alignment, resulting in pain and loss of movement.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an immune-mediated disease particularly characteiized by inflammation and subsequent tissue damage leading to severe disability and increased mortality. A variety of cytokines are produced locally in the rheumatoid joints. Numerous studies have demonstrated that IL-1 and TNF-alpha, two prototypic pro-inflammatory cytokines, play an important role in the mechanisms involved in synovial inflammation and in progressive joint destruction. Indeed, the administration of TNF-alpha and IL-1 inhibitors in patients with RA has led to a dramatic improvement of clinical and biological signs of inflammation and a reduction of radiological signs of bone erosion and cartilage destruction. However, despite these encouraging results, a significant percentage of patients do not respond to these agents, suggesting that other mediators are also involved in the pathophysiology of aithritis (Gabay, Expert. Onn. Biol. Ther. 2(2): 135-149. 2002). One of those mediators could be I1.-9 or IL-TIF, and as such a molecule that binds or inhibits IL-T[F, such as anti IL-TIF antibodies or binding partners, could ser\e as a valuable therapeutic to reduce inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis, and other arthritic diseases.

Tliere are several animal models for rheumatoid arthrilis '.nov, n in ihe art. For example, in ihc collagen-induced arlhrilis (CIA) model, mice dc elor chronic ' inflammatory arthritis that closelv resembles human rheumatoid arlhrili.-. S:nce CIA shares similar immunological and pathological features with RA, this mai-.es i: an ideal model lor screening potential human anti-inflammatorN compounds. The CIA model is a well-known model in mice thai depends on both an immune response, and an inflammatory response, in order to occur. The immune response comprises the interaction of B-cells and CD4+ T-cells in response to collagen, which is given as antigen, and leads to the production of anti-collagen antibodies. The inflammatory phase is the result of tissue responses from mediators of inflammation, as a consequence of some of these antibodies cross-reacting to the mouse's native collagen and acti\ating the complement cascade. An advantage in using the CIA model is that the basic mechanisms of pathogenesis are known. The relevant T-ce!l and B-cell epitopes on type LI collagen have been identified, and various immunological (e.g., delayed-type hypersensitivity and anti-collagen antibody) and inflammatory (e.g., cytokines, chemokines, and niatri.\-degrading enzymes) parameters relating to immtme- . mediated arthritis have been determined, and can thus be used to assess lest compound ' efficacy in the CIA model (Wooley, GLUT. Opin. Rheum. 3:407-20, 1999; Williams et al, Immunol. 89:9784-788, 1992; Myers et al., Life Sci. 61:1861-78, 1997; and Wang et al, Immunol. 92:8955-959, 1995).
The administration of soluble zcytorl6 comprising polypeptides, such as zcytorl6-Fc4 or other 2cytorl6 soluble and fusion proteins to these CL4 model mice was used to evaluate the use of zcytorl6 to ameliorate symptoms and alter the course of disease. Since the ligand of zcytorl6, IL-TIF, induces production of SAA, which is implicated in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthiitis, and zcytorl6 was demonstrated to be able to inhibit EL-TIF and SAA activity in vitro and in vivo, the systemic or local administration of zcytorl6 comprising polypeptides, such as zcytorl6-Fc4 or other zcytorl6 soluble and fusion proteins can potentially suppress the inflammatory response in RA. The injection of 10 j-ig zcylorI6-Fc fthree times a week for 4 weeks) significantly reduced the disease score (paw score, incident of inflammnti'H or disease). Other potential therapeutics include Zcytorl6 polypeptides, soluble zcMorl 1/CRF2-4

receptor polypeplides, or anti IL-TIF antibodies or binding partners or' tbe present invention, and the like.
One group ha.s shown that an anti-mouse IL-TIF antiboc;. ni,-\' reduce symptoms in a mouse ClA-modei relative to conti'ol mice, thus showing conceptually that neutralizing antibodies to IL-TIF may be bcnencial in treating human disease. The administration of a single mouse-IL-TIF-specific rat monoclonal antibody (P3/1) reduced the symptoms of arthritis in the animals when introduced prophylactically or after CI.-\-induced arthritis was induced in the model (WIPO Publication 02'068476; published September 9, 2002). Therefore, the anti-tL-TIF antibodies of the present invention, including the neutralizing anti-human IL-TlF antibodies of the present invention, can be used to neutralize IL-TIF in the treatment of specific human diseases such as psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, arthritis, endotoxemia, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), colitis, and other inflammatory conditions disclosed herein.
2. Endotoxemia
Endotoxemia is a severe condition commonly resulting from infectious agents such as bacteria and other infectious disease agents, sepsis, to.xic shock syndrome, or in immunocompromised patients subjected to opportunistic infections, and the like. Therapeutically useful of anti-inflammatory antibodies and binding polypeptides, such as anti-IL-TIF antibodies and binding polypeptides of the present invention, could aid in preventing and treating endotoxemia in humans and animals. Zcytorl6 polypeptides, soluble zcytorll/CRF2-4 receptor polypeptides, or anti IL-TIF antibodies or binding partners, could serve as a valuable therapeutic to reduce inflammation and pathological effects in endotoxemia.
Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced endotoxemia engages many of the proinflammatory mediators that produce pathological effects in the infectious diseases and LPS induced endotoxemia in rodents is a widely used and acceptable model for studying the pharmacological effects of potential pro-inflammatory or immunomodulating agents. LPS, produced in gram-negative bacteria, is a major causative agent in the pathogenesis of septic shock CGlausner et al., Lancet 338:732, 1991). A shock-like state can indeed be induced e.\perimentally by a single injection of

LPS into animals. Molecules produced by ceils responding lo LPS can lai-gel pa.lhogens dwectly or indu'ectl)'. Ailhough these biological '-esponses protect the hos; against invading pathogens, they may also cause harm. Thus, massive stimulation of innate immunity, occumng as a result of severe Gram-negative bacterial infection, leads lo e.Kcess production of cytokines and other molecules, and the de\'elopment of a fatal syndrome, septic shock syndrome, vvliich is characterized by fever, h\'potension, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and multiple organ t'ailure (Dumitru et ah Cell 103:1071-1083.2000).
These toxic effects of LPS are most!}' related to macrophage activation leading to the release of multiple inflammatory mediators. Among these mediators, TNF appears to play a crucial role, as indicated by the prevention of LPS toxicity by the administration of neutralizing anti-TNF antibodies (Beutler et ah, Science 229:869, 19S5). It is well established that lug injection of £. colihPS into a C57BI/6 mouse will result in significant increases in circulating IL-6, TNF-alpha, IL-1, and acute phase proteins (for example, SAA) approximately 2 hours post injection. The toxicity of LPS appears to be mediated by these cytokines as passive immunization against these mediators can result in decreased mortality (Beutler et al,, Science 229:869, 1985). The potential immunointervention strategies for the prevention and/or treatment of septic shock include anti-TNF mAb, IL-1 receptor antagonist, LIF, IL-10, and G-CSF.
The administration of soluble zcytorl6 comprising polypeptides, such as zcytorl6-Fc4 or other zcytorl6 soluble and fusion proteins to these LPS-induced model was used to evaluate the use of zcytorl6 to ameliorate symptoms and alter the course of LPS-induced disease. The model showed induction of IL-TIF by LPS injection and the potential treatment of disease by zcytorl6 polypeptides. Since LPS induces the production of pro-inflammatory IL-TIF, SAA or other pro- inflammatory factors possibly contributing to the pathology of endotoxemia, the neutralization of IL-TIF activity, SAA or other pro- inflammatory factors by its antagonist zcytorl6 polypeptide can be used to reduce the symptoms of endotoxemia, such as seen in endotoxic shock. Other potential thei'apeutics include Zcytorl6 polypeptides, soluble zcytor! 1/CRF2-4 receptor polypeptides, or anti IL-TIF antibodies or binding partners of the present invention, and the like.

?. InflaiTimatoiA' Bnvvel Disease. IBD
In the Unilecl Slates approximateK' 500.000 people sufler 1TO:TI Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) whieh can affect either colon and rectam (Ulcei'ative colitis) or both, small and lai'ge intestine (Crohn's Disease). The pathogenesis of these diseases is unclear, iTut they involve clironic inflammation of the affected tissues. Zcytorl6 polypeptides, soluble zcytorl I/CRF2-4 receptor polypeptides, or anti IL-TIF antibodies or binding partners, could serve as a valuable therapeutic to reduce inflammation and pathological effects m IBD and related diseases.
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory disease of the large intestine, commonly called the colon, characterized by inflammation and ulceration of the mucosa or innermost lining of the colon. This inflammation causes the colon to empty frequently, resulting in diaiThea. Symptoms include loosening of the stool and associated abdominal cramping, fever and weight loss. Although the exact cause of UC is unknown, recent research suggests that the body's natural defenses are operating against proteins in the body which the body thinks are foreign (an "autoimmune reaction"). Perhaps because they resemble bacterial proteins in the gut, these proteins may either instigate or stimulate the inflammatory process that begins to destroy the lining of the colon. As the lining of the colon is destroyed, ulcers form releasing mucus, pus and blood. The disease usually begins in the rectal area and may eventually extend through the entire large bowel. Repeated episodes of inflammation lead to thickening of the wall of the intestine and rectum with scar tissue. Death of colon tissue or sepsis may occur with severe disease. The symptoms of ulcerative colitis vary in severity and their onset may be gradual or sudden. Attacks may be provoked by many factors, including respiratory infections or stress.
Although there is cuixently no cure for UC available, treatments are focused on suppressing the abnormal inflammatory process in the colon linmg. Treatments including corticosteroids immunosuppressives (eg. azathioprine, mercaptopurine, and methotrexate) and aminosalicytates are available to treat the disease. However, the long-term use of immunosuppressives such as corticosteroids and azathioprine can result in serious side effects including thinning of bones, cataracts.

infection, and liver and bone marrow effects. In the patients m whom ciiiTent iherapies arc not successful, surgery is an option. 1lie surgeiA' involves the remo\'al of the entire colon and the rectum.
There are several animal models that can partially mimic chronic ulcerative colitis. The most widely used model is the 2,4.6-lrinitrobenesulfonic acid/ethanol (TNBS) induced colitis model, which induces chronic inflanimation and ulceration in the colon. When TNBS is introduced into the colon of susceptible mice via intra-rectal instillation, it induces T-cell mediated immune response in the colonic mucosa, in this case leading to a massive mucosal inflammation characterized by the dense infiltration of T-cells and macrophages throughout the entire wall of the large bowel. Moreover, this histopathologic picture is accompanies by the clinical picture of progressive weight loss (wasting), bloody diarrhea, rectal prolapse, and large bowel wall thickening (Neurath et al. Intern. Rev. Immunol. _l_9;51-62, 2000).
Another colitis model uses de.xtran sulfate sodium (DSS), which induces an acute colitis manifested by bloody diarrhea, weight loss, shortening of the colon and mucosal ulceration with neutrophil infiltration. DSS-induced colitis is characterized histologically by infiltration of inflammatory cells into the lamina propria, with lymphoid hypeiplasia, focal crypt damage, and epithelial ulceration. These changes are thought to develop due to a toxic effect of DSS on the epithelium and by phagocytosis of lamina propria cells and production of TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma. Despite its common use, several issues regarding the mechanisms of DSS about the relevance to the human disease remain unresolved. DSS is regarded as a T cell-independent model because it is observed in T cell-deficient animals such as SCID mice.
The administration of soluble zcytorl6 comprising polypeptides, such as zcytorl6-Fc4 or other zcytorl6 soluble and fusion proteins to these TNBS or DSS models can be used to evaluate the use of zcytorl6 to ameliorate symptoms and alter the course of gastrointestinal disease. We observed the increased expression of IL-TIF in colon tissues of DSS-mice by RT-PCR, and the synergistic activity of IL-TIF with IL-lbeta on intestinal cell lines. It indicates IL-TIF may play a role in the inflammatory i-esponse in colitis, and the neutralization of IL-TIF activity by administrating zcytorl6 polypeptides is a potential therapeutic approach for IBD. Other potential therapeutics

include Zcyloii6 polvpeplides. soluble zcytorl 1/CRF2-4 receptor polypenndes. ov anti II.-TIF antibodies or binding partners of the present invention, and the like.
4. Psc^riasis
Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that affects more than sc\en million Americans. Psoriasis occurs when new skin cells grow abnormally, resulting in inflamed, swollen, and scaly patches of skin where the old skin has not shed quickly enough. Plaque psoriasis, the most common form, is characterized by inflamed patches of skin ("lesions") topped with silvery white scales. Psoriasis may be limited to a few plaques or involve moderate to extensive areas of skin, appearing most commonly on the scalp, knees, elbows and trunk. Although it is highly visible, psoriasis is not a contagious disease. The pathogenesis of the diseases involves chronic inflammation of the affected tissues. Zcytorl6 polypeptides, soluble zcytorl 1/CRF2-4 receptor polypeptides, or anti IL-TIF antibodies or binding partners, could serve as a valuable therapeutic to reduce inflammation and pathological effects m psoriasis, other inflammatory slon diseases, slcin and mucosal allergies, and related diseases.
Psoriasis is a T-cell mediated inflammatory disorder of the skin that can cause considerable discomfort. It is a disease for which there is no cure and affects people of all ages. Psoriasis affects approximately two percent of the populations of European and North America. Although individuals with mild psoriasis can often control their disease with topical agents, more than one million patients worldwide require ultraviolet or systemic immunosuppressive therapy. Unfortunately, the inconvenience and risks of ultraviolet radiation and the toxicities of many therapies limit their long-term use. Moreover, patients usually have recurrence of psoriasis, and in some cases rebound, shortly after stopping immunosuppressive therapy.
IL-20 is a novel IL-10 homologue that causes neonatal lethality with sldn abnonnalities including aberrant epidermal differentiation in IL-20 transgenic mice (Blumberg H et ak. Cell 104:9-19, 2001) IL-20 receptor is dramaticalh' upregulated in psoriatic skin. Since IL-TIF shares a receptor subunit (zcytorl!) with IL-20 receptor, and IL-TIF transgenic mice display a similar phenot\pe, it is possible that IL-TIF is also involved in the inflammatory skin diseases such as psoriasis. The administration of

zcYiorJ6 pol\'pepLicL\ eUher subculancous or topically, may polentiai reduce the
inflammation and symptom. Otiier potential therapeutics mclude Zcytorl6
polypeptides, soluble zc}-torl 1/CRF2-4 receptor polypeptides, or anli IL-TIF a.ntibodies or binding partners of the present invention, and the like.
IL-TLF has been shown to be induced in the presence of TL-'~~>, and is suspected to be involved in promoting Thl-type immune responses, and inflammation. IL-9 stimulates proliferation, activation, differentiation and/or induction of immune function m a variety of ways and is implicated in asthma, lung mastocytosis, and other diseases, as well as activates STAT pathways. Antagonists of IL-TIF or rL-9 function can have beneflcial use against such human diseases. The present invention provides such novel antagonists of EL-TIF.
IL-TIF has been show to be involved in up-regulate the production of acute phase reactants, such as serum amyloid A (SAA), al-antichymotrypsin, and haptoglobin, and that IL-TIF expression is increased upon injection of lipopolysaccharide ('LPS) in vivo .suggesting that IL-TIF is involved in inflammatory response (Dumoutier, L., et al, Proc. Nat'l. Acad. Sci. 97:10144-10149, 2000). Production of acute phase proteins, such as SA.A, is considered s short-term survival mechanism where inflammation is beneficial; however, maintenance of acute phase proteins for longer periods contributes to chronic inflammation and can be harmful to human health. For review, see Uhlar, CM and Whitehead, AS, Eur. J. Biochem. 265:501-523, 1999, and Baumann H. and Gauldie, J. Immunology Today 15:74-80, 1994. Moreover, the acute phase protein SAA is implicated in the pathogenesis of several chronic inflammatory diseases, is implicated in atherosclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis, and is the precursor to the amyloid A protein deposited in amyloidosis (Uhlar, CM and Whitehead, supra.). Thus, as EL-TEF acts as a pro-inflammatory molecule and induces production of SAA, antagonists would be useful in treating inflammatory disease and other diseases associated with acute phase response proteins induced by IL-TIF. Such antagonists are provided by the present invention. For example, method of reducing EL-TIF-induced or IL-9 induced inflammation comprises administering to a mammal with inflammation an amount of a composition of anti-IL-TIF antibody or binding polypeptide sufficient to reduce inflammiation. Moreover, a method of

suppressing an inflarr.matory response in a mammal with inflammalion can comprise; (I) dclcrmininii a level of seruir. amyloid A protein; (2) administering a coi".position eomprising an anti-IL-TIF antibody or binding polypeptideas described tierern m an acceptable pharmacer.tical vehicle; (3) determining a post administration level of serurn amyloid A protein; {) comparing the level of serum amyloid A protein m step (1) to the level of serum amyloid A protein in step (3), wherein a lack of increase or a decrease in serum amxioid A protein level is indicati\'e of suppressing an inflammatory response.
0\'er expression of IL-Tff-" was shown in human psonatic lesions, suggesting that IL-TEF is involved in human psoiiasis. Moreover, as described herein, over expression of JL-TIF in transgenic mice showed epidennal thickening and immune cell involvement indicative of a psoriatic phenotype, and in addition injection of IL-TIP into normal mice showed epidermal thickening and immune cell involvement indicative of a psoriatic phenotype which was ablated by the soluble receptor antagonist zcytorl6. Such in vivo data further suggests that the pro-inflammatory II-TIF is involved in psoriasis. As such, antagonists to IL-TIF activity, such as the anti-human-IL-TIF monoclonal antibodies of the present invention, as well as soluble receptors and antibodies thereto, are useful in therapeutic treatment of inflammatory diseases, particularly as antagonists to IL-TIF in the treatment of psoriasis. Moreover, antagonists to IL-TIF activity, such as the anti-human-IL-TIF monoclonal antibodies of the present invention, as well as soluble receptors and antibodies thereto, are useful in therapeutic treatment of other inflammatory diseases for example as antagonists to IL-TEF in the treatment of atopic dermatitis, IBD, colitis, Endotoxemia, arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis adult respiratory disease (ARD), septic shock, multiple organ failure, inflammatory lung injury such as asthma or bronchitis, bacterial pneumonia, psoriasis, eczema, atopic and contact dermatitis, and inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.
Moreover, anti-IL-TIF antibodies of the present invention can be used in the prevention and therapy against weight loss associated with a number of inflammatory diseases described herein, as well as for cancer (e.g., chemotherapy and cachexia), and infectious diseases. For example, severe weight loss is a key inarker

associated with ir.ode'.s for septicemia, MS, RA, and tumor models. In additio::, weiglit loss is a key par:.me:er foi' many human diseases mcludmg cancei: infeciioL, disease and inflammalo:;. disease. Weiglit loss was shown in mice mjecied with IL-TLFAdenovirus descr;'ried herein. Anti-ll.-TlF antibodies and IL-22 anlagonis:> such as soluble zcxtoid 1 receptors and antibodies thereto, as well as zc\-iorl6 receptors, can be tested for their abilit;. to prevent and treat weight loss in mice injected wr.h LL-TIF andenovires described herein. Methods of determining a prophylactic or therapeutic regimen for such rL-22 antagonists is known in the art and can be determined using the methods described herein.
IL-TIF is implicated in inducing inflammatory response including induction of the acute-phase response (Dumoutier, L. et al., Proc. Nat'l. Acad. Sci. 97:10144-10149. 20C'0). Thus, particular embodiments of the present invention arc directed toward use of anti-IL-TIF antibodies and binding polyepeptidcs as antagonists in inflammatory and immune diseases or conditions such as psoriasis, arthritis, pancreatitis, type 1 diabetes (IDDM), pancreatic cancer, pancreatitis. Graves Disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Crohn's Disease, colon and intestinal cancer, diveiticulosis, autoimmune disease, sepsis, toxic shock syndrome, endotoxemia, organ or bone man-ow transplant; inflammation due to trauma, sugery or infection; amyloidosis; splenomegaly; graft versus host disease; and where inhibition of inflammation, immune suppression, reduction of proliferation of hematopoietic, immune, inflammatory or lymphoid cells, macrophages, T-cells (including Thl and Th2 cells), suppression of immune response to a pathogen or antigen, or other instances where inhibition of D_-TIF or IL-9 cytoldne production is desired.
Moreover, anti-IL-TIF antibodies and binding polyepeptides described herein are useful to:
Ij Antagonize IL-TIF directly or block signaling via the IL-TIF receptors in the treatment of acute inflammation, inflammation as a result of trauma, tissue injury, surgery, sepsis or infection, and chronic inflam.matory diseases such as asthma, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), chronic colitis, splenomegaly, rheumatoid arthritis, recurrent acute inflammatory episodes (e.g., tuberculosis), and treatment of

amyloidosis, and alherosclerosis. Castlemnn's Disease, aslhma, and oier diseases associalcd vviih the iiiduciion ol'acule-phase rcspor.se.
2) Antagonize IL-TIF directly oi' biojk signalmg via the IL-TIFcepiors in die treatment of autoimmune diseases sucli as EDDM, multiple sci^ros-.s (MS), systemic Lupuserytb.ematosus (SLE), myasthenia gravis, riieumatoid arthr:tis. and IBD to prevent or inhibit signaling m immune cells (e.g. lymphocytes, monocytes, leukocytes) via zcytorlG (Hughes C et ab, .1. bnmunol 153: 3319-3325. 1994). Alternatively antibodies, such as monoclonal antibodies (M.Ab) to zcytorl6-compnsing receptors, can also be used as an antagonist to deplete unwanted immune cel'.s to treat autoimmune disease. Asthma, allergy and otlier atopic disease may be treated with an M.A.b against, for example, anti-IL-TIF monoclonal antibody to inhibit the immune response or to deplete offending cells. Blocking or inhibiting signaling \ia IL-TIF receptors, using the antibodies and binding partners of the present invention, may also benefit diseases of the puncrcus, ki dney, pituitary and neuronal cells. IDDVI. NIDDM, pancreatitis, and pancreatic carcinoma may benefit. Anti-IL-TIF antibodies and binding polyepeptides may serve as a target for MAb therapy of cancer where an antagonizing MAb inhibits cancer growth and targets immune-mediated Idlling. (Flolliger P, and Hoogenboom, H: Nature Biotech. 16: 1015-1016, 1998). Mabs IL-TIF may also be useful to treat nephropathies such as glomerulosclerosis, membranous neuropathy, amyloidosis (which also affects the Iddney among other tissues), renal arteriosclerosis, glomerulonephritis of various origins, fibroproliferative diseases of the Iddney, as well as kidney dysfunction associated with SLE, IDDM, type II diabetes (NIDDM), renal tumors and other diseases.
Soluble zcytorl6 monomeric, homodimeric, heterodimeric and multimeric polypeptides described herein can be used to neutralize,'block IL-TEF acdvity in the treatment of autoimmune disease, atopic disease, NIDDM, pancreatitis and Iddney dysfunction, and inflammatory diseases, as described above.
The anti-IL-TIF antibodies and binding polyepeptides of the present mvention are useful as antagonists of the IL-TIF cytokine. Such antagonistic effects can be achieved by direct neutralization or binding of the IL-TIF. In addition to antagonistic uses, the anti-IL-TIF antibodies and binding polyepeptides of the present

invention can bmd IL-TIF and act as carrier protein? for tiie IL-TIF cytokine, i;-. order to transport tlve Ligand to different tissues, oi'gans, and cells witliin the body. As such. the anti-]L-TIF antihodres and binding polyepeptides oi the present invention can be fused or coupled to molecules, polypeptides or chemical moieties that direct the soluble-receptor-Ligand complex to a specific site, such as a tissue, specific immune cell, or tumor. For example, in acute infection or some cancers, benefit may result from induction o'i inflammation and local acute phase response proteins by the action of IL-TIF. Thus, the antiTL-TIF antibodies and binding polyepeptides of the present invention can be used to specifically direct the action of the IL-TEF. See, Cosman, D. Cytokine 5: 95-106, 1993; and Fernandez-Botran, R. Exp. Opin. Invest. Drugs 9:497-513,2000.
Moreover, the anti-EL-TIF antibodies and binding polyepeptides of the present invention can be used to stabilize the IL-TIF, to increase the bioaxailability, therapeutic longevity, and/or efficacy of the Ligand by stabilizing the Ligand from degradation or clearance, or by targeting the ligand to a site of action within the body. For example the naturally occuning IL-6/soluble IL-6R complex stabilizes IL-6 and can signal through the gplBO receptor. See, Cosman, D. supra., and Fernandez-Botran, R. supra.. Moreover, anti-IL-TIF antibodies and binding polyepeptides can be combined with a cognate ligand such as EL-TIF to comprise a ligand/antibody complex. Such complexes may be used to stimulate responses from cells presenting a companion receptor subunit such as, for example, zcytorll or CRF2-4. The cell specificity of zcytorl6/ligand complexes may differ from that seen for the ligand administered alone. Furthermore the complexes may have distinct pharmacoldnetic properties such as affecting half-life, dose/response and organ or tissue specificity. ZcytoR16/IL-TIF complexes thus may have agonist activity to enhance an immune response or stimulate mesangial cells or to stimulate hepatic cells. Alternatively only tissues expressing a signaling subunit the heterodimerizes with the complex may be affected analogous to the response to rL6TL6R complexes (Hirota H. et al., Proc. Nat'l. Acad. Sci. 92:4862-4866, 1995: Flirano, T. in Thomason, A. (Ed.) "The Cytokine Flandbook". 3rd Ed., p. 208-209). Soluble receptor/cytokine complexes for fL12 and CNTF display similar activities.

IL-TIF was isolated from lissuc known [o have important nnni()logical function and which contain cells which play a role in the immune sxsieir.. IL-TIF ligand is expressed in CD3+ selected, activated peripheral bl(M.ul cells. This suggests that IL-TIF expression may be regulated and increase after T cell actwation, Moreo\'er, IL-TIF polypeptides may have an effect on the growth/expansion and/or differentiated state of T- or B-Cells. T- or B-cell progenitors, NK cells or NK progenitors. Moreover, IL-TIF can effect proliferation and/or differentiation of T cells and B cells in vivo. Factor that both stimulate proliferation of hematopoietic progenitors and actix'ate mature cells arc generally known. NK cells are responsive to IL-2 alone, but proliferation and acti\'ation generally require additional growth factors. For example, it has been shown that IL-7 and Steel Factor (c-kit ligand) were recjuired for colony formation of NK progenitors. IL-I5 + IL-2 in combination with IL-7 and Steel Factor was more effective (Mrozek et al., Blood 87:2632-2640, 19^)6). Flovvever, unidentified cytokines may be necessary for proliferation of specific subsets of NK cells and/or NK progenitors (Robertson et. al., Blood 76:2451-2438, 1990). A composition comprising IL-TIF and IL-15 may stimulate NK progenitors and NK cells, as a composition that is more potent than previously described factors and combinations of factors. Similarly, such combinations of factors that include IL-TIF may also affect other hematopoietic and lymphoid cell types, such as T-cells, B-cells, macrophages, dendritic cells, and the like. Antibodies or binding polypeptides of the present invention can be used or assayed by showing antagonism or inhibition of such activities.
Most four-helix bundle cytoldnes as well as other proteins produced by activated lymphocytes play an important biological role in cell differentiation, activation, recruitment and homeostasis of cells throughout the body. Therapeutic utility includes treatment of diseases which require immune regulation including autoimmune diseases, such as, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, systemic lupus erythomatosis (SLE) and diabetes. IL-TIF may be important in the regulation of inllammation, and therefore effectors, such as antagonist antibodies of the present invention would be useful in treating rheumatoid arlhntis, asthma, ulcerative colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease, psoriasis, pancreatitis,


would be useful in the treatmenl of cancer such as ovarian cancelug cancer, melanoma, and colon cancer. IL-TI,F may be a poleriUal therapeutic in suppressing the immune system which would be important for reducing grai't rejection. IL-TIF may ha\e usefulness m pre\'ention of grafl-\'s-host disease.
The IL-TEF can also he used ex vi\'o. such as in autologoiis marrow culture. Brieflv. bone marrow is removed from a patient prior to chemotherapv or organ transplant and treated with IL-TIF, optionally in combination with one or more other cytokines. The treated man'ovv is then returned to the patient after chemotherapy to speed the reco\ery of the marrow or after transplant to suppress graft vs. Host disease. In addition, the IL-TIF can also be used for the ex vivo expansion of marrow or peripheral blood progenitor (PBPC) cells. Prior to treatment, marrow can be stimulated with stem cell factor (SCF) to release early progenitor cells into peripheral circulation. These progenitors can be collected and concentrated from peripheral blood and then treated in culture with IL-TIF, optionally in combination with one or more other cytokines, including but not limited to EL-IO, zcytolO. MDA7. SCF, IL-2, IL-4, IL-7 or IL-15, to differentiate and proliferate into high-density lymphoid cultures, which can then be returned to the patient following chemotherapy or transplantation.
Alternatively, IL-TIF may activate the immune system which would be
I important in boosting immunity to infectious diseases, treating immunocompromised patients, such as HIV+ patients, or in improving vaccines. In particular, IL-TIF stimulation or expansion of T-cells, B-cells, NK cells, and the like, or their progenitors, would provide therapeutic value in treatment of viral infection, and as an anti¬neoplastic factor. NK cells are thought to play a major role in elimination of metastatic
) tumor cells and patients with both metastases and solid tumors have decreased levels of NKcell activity (Whiteside et. al., Curr. Top. Microbiol. Immunol. 230:221-244, 1998). Further analysis of mice injected with IL-TIF adenovirus reveals that albumin levels are reduced relative to control adenosirus injected animals, and glucose levels are depressed significantly. However liver enzymes (ALT and .-VST) are at similar levels to those seen for mice injected with control adenovirus. IL-TIF may specifically inhibit or alter liver cell functions. .Alternatively excess IL-TIF may

synergize with viral infection leading to advei'se e'Tecls on tlie liver. Thus agonists (antibodies, muiems. soluble receptors) may be Lisefiil to treat viral disease. Espccialh' viral diseases that target the li\'cr such as: Hepatitis B, liepatilis C and Acenovirus. Viral di.-^ease in other tissues may be treated with antagonists to IL-TJF. for example \iral meningitis, and Hlrelated disease.
Mice injected with TL-TIF adenoxarus display weight-loss, loss of mobility and a failure to groom, and a reduction in cu'culating lymphocytes. These changes are typical of those seen during septic shock and other inflammatory conditions. These eiYects may be caused directly by IL-TIF or indirectly by induction of elevated levels of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-1, TNFa. and rL-6. Antagonists to IL-TIF may be useful to treat septic shock, adult respiratory distress syndrome, endotoxemia, and meningitis. Other diseases that may benefit from IL-TTF antagonists include: Flemorrhagic shock, disseminated intravascular coagulopathy, myocardial ischemia, stroke, rejection of transplanted organs, pulmonary fibrosis, inflammatory hx'pcralgesia and cachexia.
Mice injected with IL-TIF adenovirus display reduced numbers of peripheral blood lymphocytes. This is likely to be a direct inhibitory effect of IL-TIF on peripheral blood hmphocytes. Antagonizing IL-TIF may promote lymphocyte maintenance and growth especially when they are needed to eradicate bacterial, viral or parasitic pathogens. Thus antagonizing IL-TIF may benefit patients with: Tuberculosis, cryptogenic fibrosing alveolitis, pneumonia, meningococal disease, AIDS, HTV-related lung disease, hepatitis, viral meningitis, malaria, and dysentery (Shigella dysenteriae).
The lymphocyte inhibitory effects of IL-TIF may be used to reduce autoimmunity and to inhibit the growth of lymphoma tumors, especially non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and lymphoid leukemias. IL-TIF may also be used to inhibit lymphocytes and promote graft acceptance for organ transplant patients. Kidney and bone marrow grafts would be suitable indications.
Mice injected with IL-TIF adenovirus display significantly increased numbers of platelets. Mild bleeding disorders (MBDs) associated with platelet dysfunctions are relati\'ely common (Bachmann. Seminars in Mematologv 1~: 292-305,

1980), as are a niimbei- of congenital disorders of plaiclci fiinclion, including Bemard-SoLilicr syndrome (deficiency in platelet GPI!-i). Glanzir.ann's i!;ronasthenia (denciency of GPIIb and GPIlIa), congenital afibrinogenemia (diminisiied or absent levels of fibrinogen m plasma and platelets), and gra\ platelet syndrome (absence of a-granules). In addition there arc a number of disordei's associated with platelet secretion, storage pool deficiency, abnormalities in platelet arachidonic acid pathway, deficiencies of platelet cyclooxygenase and thromboxane synthetase and defects in platelet activation (reviewed by Rao and Holmsen, Seminars in Hematology 23: 102-118, 1986).
IL-TLF was shown to increase platelet and neutrophils in vivo m animals, and can be used therapeutically wherever it is desirable to increase the le\el of platelets and neutrophils, such as in the treatment of cytopenia, such as that induced by aplastic anemia, myelodisplastic syndromes, chemotherapy or congenital cytopenias. The proteins are also useful for increasing platelet production, such as in the treatment of thrombocytopenia. Thrombocytopenia is associated with a diverse group of diseases and clinical situations that may act alone or in concert to produce the condition. Lowered platelet counts can result from, for example, defects in platelet production, abnormal platelet distribution, dilutional losses due to massive transfusions, or abnormal destruction of platelets. For ex.ample, chemotherapeutic drugs used in cancer therapy may suppress development of platelet progenitor cells in the bone marrow, and the resulting thrombocytopenia limits the chemotherapy and may necessitate transfusions. In addition, certain malignancies can impair platelet production and platelet distribution. Radiation therapy used to kill malignant cells also kills platelet progenitor cells. Thrombocytopenia may also arise from various platelet autoimmune disorders induced by drugs, neonatal alloimmunity or platelet transfusion alloimmunity. The IL-TEF can reduce or eliminate the need for transfusions, thereby reducing the incidence of platelet alloimmunity. Abnormal destrucdon of platelets can result from: (1) increased platelet consumption in vascular grafts or traumatized tissue; or (2) immune mechanisms associated with, for example, drug-induced thrombocytopenia, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), autoimmune diseases, liematologic disorders such as leukemia and lymphoma or metastatic cancers ivolving bone

maiTOvv. Other iiidualions for the IL-TIF include aplastic anemia and druMnduced marrow suppression resultmg from, lor example, chemotherapy or trcalme'c.i of HIV mfection with AZT.
Thrombocytopenia rs manifested as inci'cased bleeding, such as mucosal bleedings from the nasal-oral area or the gastrointestinal tract, as well as oozing from wounds, ulcers or injection sites.
0\er expression of IL-TIF was shown in human psoriatic lesions, suggesting that IL-TIF is involved in human psoriasis. Moreover, as described herein, over expression of IL-TIF in transgenic mice showed epidemia! thickening and immune cell involvement indicative of a psoriatic phenotype. and in addition injection of IL-TIF into normal mice showed epidermal thickening and immune cell involvement indicative of a psoriatic phenotype which was ablated by the soluble receptor antagonist zcytorl6. Such ill vivo data further suggests that the pro-intlammatory IL-TIF is involved in psoriasis. As such, antagonists to IL-TIF acti\ity, such as the anti-human-IL-TIF monoclonal antibodies of the present invention, as well as soluble receptors and antibodies thereto, are useful in therapeutic treatment of inflammatory diseases, particulariy as antagonists to IL-TIF in the treatment of psoriasis. Moreover, antagonists to EL-TIF activity, such as the anti-human-IL-TIF monoclonal antibodies of the present invention, as well as soluble receptors and antibodies thereto, are useful in therapeutic treatment of other inflammatory diseases for example as antagonists to IL-TIF in the treatment of atopic dermatitis, IBD, colitis, Endotoxemia, arthritis, rheumatoid ailhritis, and psoriatic arthritis, adult respiratory disease (ARD), septic shock, multiple organ failure, inflammatory lung injury such as asthma or bronchitis, bacterial pneumonia, psoriasis, eczema, atopic and contact dermatitis, and inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.
In ulero administrarion of neutralizing anti-IL-TIF or IL-20 antibodies can be used to show efficacy in vivo in disease models by reducing or eliminating the skin phenotype found IL-TIF transgenic pups which over express IL-TIF, or IL-20 transgenic pups w hich over express IL-20. There are precedents in the an for in ntero treatment with neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (m.Abs). In one case, the development of the B-1 subset of B cells was dram.atically affected by treating pregnant

female mice with and Ab specific for tlic B cell-specific molecule. CDl9 e.g. Krop 1. Et al., Eur. J. Immunol. 26fn:23S-42, J996). Krop et al. injecled timed preganl mice mtrapeviloneally with 500ug of rat anti-mouse CD 19 mAb (or a rat i>otypc-rnatched control Ah) in PBS beginning on day 9 of gestation, with subsecjuent iniections every other day until birth. Pups were also injected once with 500ug of these antibodies at 10 days of age. In another case, Tanaka et al, found that in utero treatm.ent with monoclonal antibody to IL-2 receptor beta-chain completely abrogates development of Thy-1+ dendritic epidermal cells. The two distinct subunits of the rL-2 receptor, i.e. the alpha-chain (IL-2R alpha) and the beta-chain (IL-2R beta), are expressed in an almost mutually exclusive fashion throughout fetal thymus ontogeny. Blocking rL-2R beta, a signal transducing component of rL-2R, by administering a neutralizing mAb lo IL-2R beta, resulted in the complete and selective disappearance of Thy-l+ skin dendritic epidermal cells. Development of any other T cell subsets was uncompromised. This indicated that IL-2 plays a crucial role in the development of fetal V gamm.a 5+ cells and their descendants (see, Tanaka, T. et al., Int Immunol. 4(4):4S7-9, 1992). In addition, Schatteniann GC et al., showed that PDGF-A is required for nonmal murine cardiovascular development using an in utero system. Several lines of evidence suggest that platelet-denved growth factor A chain (PDGF-A) is required for normal embryonic cardiovascular development. Introduction of anti-PDGF-A neutralizing antibodies into mouse deciduas in utero resulted in the selective disruption of PDGF-A ligand-receptor interactions in vivo for a period of 18-24 hr and allowed assessment of whether PDGF-A is required for cardiovascular development and when it is required (see, Schattemann GC et al.,Dev. Biol. 176(1): 133-42, 1996). These results, as well as others described in the art, provide evidence that neutralizing mAbs can elicit strong effects in utero. Similarly, data showing the efficacy of neutralizing IL-20 or IL-22 (EL-TEF) with monoclonal antibodies in vivo in disease models to reduce or eliminate the skin phenotype found in IL-20 and IL-22 (EL-TIF) transgenic pups which over express IL-20 and IL-22 (IL-TIF) respectively can be shown. These transgenic mice are bom with a "shiny" skin appearance, due at least in part to a thickening of the epideiTnis as described herein. The IL-20 TG pups expressing fairly low levels of the transgenic

cytokine can recover and do survive to l3reed, but the IL-TIF TG mice die shortly after birth, generaliy before 5 days of age.
For pharmaceutical use, the IL-TIF are formulated for parenteral, particularly intravenous or subcutaneous, delivery according to convention*! methods. Intravenous administration will be by bolus injection, controlled release, e.g, using mini-pumps or other appropriate technology, or by infusion o\'er a typical period of one to several hours. In general, pharmaceutical formulations will include a hematopoietic protein in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle, such as saline, buffered saline, 5% dextrose in water or the like. Formulations may further include one or more excipients. preservatives, solubilizers, buffering agents, albumin to provent protein loss on vial surfaces, etc. In addition, the hematopoietic IL-TIF may be combined with other cytokines, particularly early-acting cytokines such as stem cell factor, II.-3, IL-6, IL-11 or GM-CSF. When utilizing such a combination therapy, the cytokines may be combined in a single fonnulation or may be administered in separate fomiulations. Methods of formulation are well known in the art and are disclosed, for example, in Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, Gennaro, ed., Mack Publishing Co., Easton PA, 1990, which is incorporated herein by reference. Therapeutic doses will generally be in the range of OT to 100 mg/kg of patient weight per day, preferably 0.5-20 mg/kg per day, with the exact dose determined by the clinician according to accepted standards, talcing into account the nature and severity of the condition to be treated, patient traits, etc. Determination of dose is within the level of ordinary skill in the art. The proteins will commonly be administered over a period of up to 28 days following
chemotherapy or bone-marrow transplant or until a platelet count of >20,000/mm3,
preferably >50,000/mm3, is achieved. More commonly, the proteins will be administered over one week or less, often over a period of one to three days. In general, a therapeutically effective amotmt of IL-TEF is an amount sufficient to produce a clinically significant increase in the proliferation and/or differentiation of lymphoid or myeloid progenitor cells, which will be manifested as an increase in circulating levels of mature cells (e.g. platelets or neutrophils). Treaunent of platelet disorders will thus
be continued until a platelet count of at least 20,000/mm3, preferably 50,000/mm3, is

reached. The IL-TIF can also be administered in Lombination with other cytokincs such as IL-3, -6 and -11; stem cell factor; erythropoietin; G-CSF and GM-CSF. Within regimens of combination therapy, daily doses of other cytokines will m eeneral be: EPO, 150 U/kg; OM-CSF, 5-15 Ig/kg; IL-3. 1-5 lg/kg: and G-CSF, 1-25 Ig/kg. Combination therapy with EPO, for example, is indicated in anemic patients with low EPO levels.
The IL-TIF can also be used ex vivo, such as in autologous maiTOW culture or liver cultures. For example, briefly, bone maiTow is removed from a patient prior to chemotherapy and treated with IL-TIF, optionally in combination with one or more other cytokines. The treated mairow is then returned to the patient after chemotherapy to speed the recovery of the man^ovv. In addition, the IL-TIF can also be used for the ex vivo expansion of maiTOW or peripheral blood progenitor (PBPC) cells. Prior to chemotherapy treatment, maixow can be stimulated with stem cell factor (SCF) or G-CSF to release early progenitor cells into peripheral circulation. These progenitors can be collected and concentrated from peripheral blood and then treated in culture with IL-TLF, optionally in combination with one or more other cytokines, including but not limited to SCF, G-CSF, IL-3, GM-CSF, IL-6 or DL-U, to differentiate and proliferate into high-density megakaryocyte cultures, which can then be returned to the patient following high-dose chemotherapy. Such ex vivo uses are especially desirable in the instance that systemic administration is not tolerated by a patient. Thus the present invention to provide methods for stimulating the production of platelets and neutrophils in mammals including humans. The invention provides methods for stimulating platelet and neutrophil production in a mammal, ex vivo tissue sample, or cell cultures. The methods comprise administering to a mammal, ex vivo tissue sample, or cell culture a therapeutically effective amount of a hematopoietic protein selected from the group consisting of (a) proteins compising the sequence of amino acids of SEQ ID N0:3 from amino acid residue 22 to amino acid residue 167; (b) allelic variants of (a); and (d) species homologs of (a) or (b), wherein the protein stimulates proliferation or differentiation of myeloid or lymphoid precursors, or the production of platelets, in combination with a pharimaceutically acceptable vehicle.

Moreover, the increase of platelets and netitrophils is desirable at a wound site not only in patients with blood diseases or undergoing chemo'.herapy as described abo\e, but under normal conditions. A polypeptide such as IL-TIF, that increases platelet leNels in vivo, can be used in topological formulations including gels, meshes, poultices, 'liquids, and the like to aid in the healing of common cuts, burns, lacerations, abrasions, and the like. Moreover, such applications can be applied in any instance where the healing of skin, muscle, or the like is desired, even internally, such as after surgery
The IL-TIF are also valuable tools for the in vitro study of the differentiation and development of hematopoietic cells, such as for elucidating the mechanisms of cell differentiation and for determining the lineages of mature cells, and may also find utility as proliferative agents in cell culture.
Differentiation is a progressive and dynamic process, beginning with pluripotent stem cells and ending with terminally differentiated cells. Pluripotenl stem cells that can regenerate without commitment to a lineage express a set of differentiation markers that are lost when commitment to a cell lineage is made. Progenitor cells express a set of differentiation markers that may or may not continue to be expressed as the cells progress down the cell lineage pathway toward maturation. Differentiation markers that are expressed exclusively by mature cells are usually functional properties such as cell products, enzymes to produce cell products, and receptors. The stage of a cell population's differentiation is monitored by identification of markers present in the cell population. Myocytes, osteoblasts, adipocytes, chrondrocytes, fibroblasts and reticular cells are believed to originate from a common mesenchymal stem cell (Owen et al, Ciba Fdn. Svmp. 136:42-46, 1988). Markers for mesenchymal stem cells have not been well identified (Owen et al., J. of Cell Sci. ^:731-738, 1987), so identification is usually made at the progenitor and mature cell stages. Il-TIF may be useful for studies to isolate mesenchymal stem cells and myocyte or other progenitor cells, both in vivo and ex vivo.
Assays measuring differentiation include, for example, measuring cell markers associated with stage-specific expression of a tissue, enzymatic activity.

functional actiMty or moi-phologica! changes (VA'att. FASEB, 5:281-284, 19'^!; Francis, Diffcrenuation 52;t'3-75. 1994; Raes. Adv. Ani-r Cci! Biol. Technol. Bionrocesses, 161-171. 1989; all mcoi-poraled herein b\ referen:e). Akernati\cly, IL-TIF polypeptide itself can serve as an additional cell-stirface or secreted marker associated with stage-specific expression of a tissue. .As such, direct neasurement of IL-TIF polypeptide, or its loss of expression in a tissue as it differentiates, can serve as a marker for differentiation of tissues. Antibodies of the present can hence be used diagnostically as markers for cancer and inflammatory diseases as discussed herein.
Similarly, direct measurement of IL-TIF polypeptide, or its loss of expression in a tissue can be determined in a tissue or cells as they undergo tumor progression. Increases in invasiveness and motility of cells, or the gain or loss of expression of EL-TIF in a pre-cancerous or cancerous condition, in comparison to normal tissue, can serve as a diagnostic for transformation, invasion and metastasis in tumor progression. As such, knowledge of a tumor's stage of progression or metastasis will aid the physician in choosing the most proper therapy, or aggressiveness of treatment, for a gi\en individual cancer patient. Methods of measuring gain and loss of expression (of either mRNA or protein) are well known in the art and described herein and can be applied to IL-TDF expression. For example, appearance or disappearance of polypeptides that regulate cell motility can be used to aid diagnosis and prognosis of prostate cancer (Banyard, J. and Zetter, B.R., Cancer and Metast. Rev. 17:449-458, 1999). As an effector of cell motility, IL-TIF gain or loss of expression may serve as a diagnostic for prostate and other cancers. Hence antibodies of the present can hence be used diagnostically as markers for cancer and inflammatory diseases as discussed herein.
Moreover, the activity and effect of IL-TIF on tumor progression and metastasis can be measured in vivo. Several syngeneic mouse models have been developed to study the influence of polypeptides, compounds or other treatments on tumor progression. In these models, tumor cells passaged in culture are implanted into mice of the same strain as the tumor donor. The cells will develop into tumors having similar characteristics in the recipient mice, and metastasis will also occur in some of the models. Appropriate tumor models for our studies include the Lewis lung

carcinoma (ATCC No. CRL-1642) and B16 melanoma (ATCC No. CRL-6323), amongst others. These are both commonly used furnor lines, syngeneic to the C57BL6 mouse, that are readily cultured and manipulated in vitro. Tumors resu'.tmg from implantation of either of these cell lines are capable of metastasis to the lung in C57BL6 mice. The Lewis lung carcinoma model has recently been used in mice to identify an inhibitor of angiogenesis (O'Reilly MS, et al. Cell 79: 315-328,1994). C57BL6/,I mice are treated with an experimental agent either through daily injecdon of recombinant protein, agonist or antagonist or a one time injection of recombinant
adenovirus. Three days following this treatment, 105 to 10 cells are implanted under the dorsal skin. Alternatively, the cells themselves may be infected with recombinant adenovirus, such as one expressing EL-TIF, before implantation so that the protein is synthesized at the tumor site or intracellularly, rather than systemicafly. The mice normally develop visible tumors within 5 days. The tumors are allowed to grow for a
3 period of up to 3 weeks, during which time they may reach a size of 1500 - 1800 mm
in the control treated group. Tumor size and body weight are carefully monitored
throughout the experiment. At the time of sacrifice, the tumor is removed and weighed
along with the lunas and the liver. The lung weight has been shown to con-elate well
with metastatic tumor burden. As an additional measure, lung surface metastases are
counted. The resected tumor, lungs and liver are prepared for histopathological
examination, immunohistochemistry, and in situ hybridization, using methods known in
the art and described herein. The influence of the expressed polypeptide in question,
e.g., IL-TEF, on the ability of the tumor to recruit vasculature and undergo metastasis
can thus be assessed. In addition, aside from using adenovirus, the implanted cells can
be transiently transfected with IL-TIF. Use of stable BL-TIF transfectants as well as use
of induceable promoters to activate IL-TIF expression in vivo are known in the art and
can be used in this system to assess IL-TIF induction of metastasis. Moreover, purified
IL-TIF or IL-TEF conditioned media can be directh injected in to this mouse model, and
hence be used in this system. For general reference see, O'Reilly MS. et al. Cell
79:315-328, 1994; and Rusciano D, et al. Murine Models of Liver Metastasis. Invasion
Metastasis 14:349-361, 1995.

The IL-TIP gene is present on a human chroinosomc, chromosome 12, and can therefore he used to determine whether a chromosome 12 aberrap.on or if a mutation has occuiTed, Based on annotation of a fragment of human genomic DNA containing a part of EL-TIF genomic DNA (Genbanlx Accession No. AC0Cn458), IL-TIF is located'at the [2ql5 region of chromosome 12. Detectable chromosomal abeirations at the IL-TIF gene locus include, but are not limited to, aneuploidy, gene copy number changes, loss of heterozygosity iLOH), translocations, insertions, deletions, restnction site changes and reairangements. Such aberrations can be detected using EL-TIF polynucleotides by employing molecular genetic techniques, such as restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis, short tandem repeat (STR) analysis employing PCR techniques, and other genetic linkage analysis techniques known in the art (Sambrook et ah, ibid.; Ausubel et. ah, ibid.; Marian, Chest 108:255-65, 1995).
The precise knowledge of a gene's position can be useful for a number of puiposes, including: i) deteiTnining if a sequence is part of an existing contig and obtaining additional surrounding genetic sequences in vanous forms, such as YACs, BACs or cDNA clones; 2) providing a possible candidate gene for an inheritable disease which shows linkage to the same chromosomal region; and 3) cross-referencing model organisms, such as mouse, which may aid in determining what function a particular gene might have.
EL-TIF is located at the 12ql5 region of chromosome 12. Another T-cell expressed cytokine, interferon-gamma (EFN-y) maps near this locus (12ql4), suggesting that the 12ql4-15 locus is an important region for T-cell expressed cytoldnes. Moreover, mutations in IFN-y are associated with immunodeficiency (See, e.g., Tzoneva, M. et al., Clin. Genet. 33:454-456, 198S). Mutations in EL-TIF, are likely to cause human disease as well, such as immunodeficiency, autoimmune disease, lymphoid cell cancei"S, or other immune dysfunction. Moreover, there are several genes that map to the EL-TIF locus that are associated with human disease states, such as cancer. 12ql3-ql5 region is involved in a varietv of malignant and benign solid tumors (including salivary adenomas and uterine leiomyor'nas), with 12ql5 as a common break point. Moreover, the high mobility group protein isoform I-C (HMGIC) maps to 12ql5

and is involved in benign lipomas and olher tumors. As IL-TIF maps to 12q 15 as well there can be an association between loss of IL-TIF function and tumor formation or progression. Moreover, translocations in 12q 13-15 ai'c prevalent in soft tissue tumors, multiple lipomatosis and malignant mixoid liposarcoma. IL-TIF polynucleotide probes can be used to detect abnormalities or genot}'pes associated vviiii these cancer susceptibility markers. Because there is abundant e\'idence for cancer resulting from mutations in the I2ql5 region, and FL-TIF also maps to this chromosomal locus, mutations in EL-TIF may also be directly involved in or associated with cancers, such as lymphoid cell cancers or other tumors.
A diagnostic could assist physicians in determining the type of disease and appropriate associated therapy, or assistance in genetic counseling. As such, the inventive anti-EL-TIF antibodies, polynucleotides, and polypeptides can be used for the detection of IL-TIF polypeptide, mRNA or anti-IL-TIF antibodies, thus serving as markers and be directly used for detecting or genetic diseases or cancers, as described herein, using methods known in the art and described herein. Further, IL-TIF polynucleotide probes can be used to detect abnornalities or genotypes associated with chromosome 12qI5 deletions and translocations associated with human diseases, such as multiple lipomatosis and malignant mixoid liposarcoma (above), or other translocations involved with malignant progression of tumors or other 12ql5 mutations, which are expected to be involved in chromosome rearrangements in malignancy; or in other cancers. Similarly, IL-TIF polynucleotide probes can be used to detect abnormalities or genotypes associated with chromosome 12ql5 trisomy and chromosome loss associated with human diseases or spontaneous abortion. Moreover, amongst other genetic loci, those for Scapuloperoneal spinal muscular atrophy (I2ql3.3-ql5), mucopolysaccaridosis (12ql4), pseudo-vitamin D deficiency Rickets as a result of mutation in Cytochrome CYP27B1 (12ql4) and others, all manifest themselves in human disease states as well as map to this region of the human genome. See the Online Mendellian Inheritance of Man (OMIM™, National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine. Bethesda, MD) gene map, and references therein, for this region of chromosome 3 on a publicly available WWW server (http://w'ww3.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/htbin-post/Omim/getmap?chromosome=12ql5).

All of these serve as possible candidate genes (or an inheritable disease v. hich show linkage to the same chromosomal region as tiie IL-TLF' gene. Thus. IL-TIF polynuiclcotide probes can be used to detect abnornialities or genotypes associated with these defects.
.As discussed above, defects in the IL-TLF gene itself ma\- result m a heritable human disease state. Molecules of the present invention, such as the polypeptides, antagonists, agonists, polynucleotides and antibodies of iiie present in\"ention would aid in the detection, diagnosis prevention, and treatment associated with a IL.-TIF genetic defect. In addition, IL-TIF polynucleotide probes can be used to detect allelic differences between diseased or non-diseased individuals at the IL-TEF chromosomal locus. As such, the EL-TIF sequences and antibodies can be used as diagnostics in forensic DNA profiling. Antibodies or binding polypeptides of the present invention can be used to antagonize or inhibit aberrant activities or overexpression of IL-TIF related to genetic disease resulting in IL-TIF abnonnalides.
In general, the diagnostic methods used in genetic linkage analysis, to detect a genetic abnormality or aberration in a patient, are known in the art. For reference to PCR based methods in diagnosdcs see see, generally, Mathew (ed.). Protocols in Human Molecular Genetics (Flumana Press, Inc. 1991), White (ed.), PCR Protocols: Current Methods and Applications (Humana Press, Inc. 1993), Cotter (ed.). Molecular Diagnosis of Cancer (Humana Press, Inc. 1996), Hanausek and Walaszek (eds.), Tumor Marker Protocols (Humana Press, Inc. 1998), Lo (ed.), Clinical Applications of PCR (Humana Press, Inc. 1998), and Meltzer (ed.), PCR in Bioanalysis (HumanaPress, Inc. 1998)).
Mice engineered to express the IL-TEF gene, referred to as "transgenic mice," and mice that exhibit a complete absence of IL-TEF gene function, referred to as "knockout mice," may also be generated (Snouv.aert et al., Science 257:1083, 1992; Lowell et al., Nature 366:740-42, 1993; Capecchi, M.R., Science 244: 1288-1292, 1989; Palmiter, R.D. et al. Anna Rev Genet. 20: 465-499, 19S6). For example, transgenic mice that over-express EL-TIF, either ubicjuitously or under a tissue-specific or tissue-restricted promoter can be used to ask whether over-expression causes a phenotype. For example, over-expression of a wild-type IL-TIF polypeptide,

polypcplide fragment or a mutant thereof may alter normal cellulai' processes, resulting in a phenotype tha: identifies a tissue in which TL-TIP expi'ession is f'jnctionally relevant and may indicate a therapeutic target for the IL-TIF, its agonists or antagonists. For example, a preferred transgenic mouse to engineer is one that over-expresses the mature IL-TIF polypeptide (amino acid residues 23 (Pro) to 167 (He) of SEQ ID N0:3). Moreover, such o\'er-e,x.pression may result in a phenotype that shows similarity with human diseases Similarly, knockout IL-TIF mice can be used to detennine where IL-TLF is absolutely required in vivo. The phenotype of knockout mice is predictive of the in vivo effects of that a IL-TIF antagonist, such as those described herein, may have. The human or mouse IL-TIF cDNA can be used to generate knockout mice. These mice may be employed to study the IL-TIF gene and the protein encoded thereby in an in vivo system, and can be used as in vivo models for corresponding human diseases, e.g., inflammatory diseases. In addition such mice can be used to test the inhibitory and anti-inflammatory effects of antagonistic molecules of the present invention. Moreover, transgenic mice expression of IL-TIF antisense polynucleotides or ribozymes directed against IL-TIF, described herein, can be used analogously to transgenic mice described above. Studies may be earned- out by administration of purified IL-TIF protein, as well.
Moreover, as described herein, over expression of IL-TEF in transgenic mice showed epidermal thickening and immune cell involvement indicative of a psoriatic phenotype, and in addition injection of IL-TIF into normal mice showed epidermal thickening and immune cell involvement indicative of a psoriatic phenotype which was ablated by the soluble receptor antagonist zcytori6. Such in vivo data further suggests that the pro-inflammatory EL-TIF is involved in psoriasis. As such, antagonists to IL-TIF activity, such as the anti-human-IL-TIF monoclonal antibodies of the present invention, as well as soluble receptors and antibodies thereto, are useful in therapeutic treatment of inflammatory diseases, particularly as antagonists to IL-TIF in the treatment of psoriasis. Moreover, antagonists to EL-TIF activity, such as the anti-human-IL-TIF monoclonal antibodies of the present invention, as well as soluble receptors and antibodies thereto, are useful in therapeutic treatment of other inflammatory diseases for example as antagonists to IL-TIF in the treatment of atopic

dermatilis, IBD, colitis, Endotoxemia, aillu-itis. iteumatoid aitiiritis. aiiL: psoriatic arthritis, adul; respiratory disease (ARD). septic sliock, multiple organ failure, inflammatory lung injury such as asthma or bronchitis, bacteria! pneumonia, psoriasis, eczema, atopic and contact dermatitis, and inflammatory bovve! disease such as ulcerative colis and Crohn's disease
For pharmaceutical use, the antibodies and binding pclyepi:dcs of the present invention are formulated for parenteral, particularly intra\enous or subcutaneous, delixery according to conventional methods. Intravenous administration will be by bolus injection or infusion over a typical period of one to several hours. In general, pharmaceutical formulations will include a IL-TIF protein in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle, such as saline, buffered saline. 5% dextrose in water or the like. Formulations may further include one or more excipients, preservatives, solubilizers, buffering agents, albumin to prexent protein loss on vial surfaces, etc. Methods of formulation are well known in the art and are disclosed, for example, in Remington: The Science and Practice of Phairniacy, Gennaro. ed., Mack Publishing Co., Easton, PA, 19th ed., 1995. Therapeutic doses will generally be in the range of 0.1 to 100 p.g/kg of patient weight per day, preferably 0.5-20 mg/kg per day, with the exact dose determined by the clinician according to accepted standards, taking into account the nature and severity of the condition to be treated, patient traits, etc. Determination of dose is within the level of ordinary skill in the art. The proteins may be administered for acute treatment, over one week or less, often over a period of one to three days or may be used in chronic treatment, over several months or years. In general, a therapeutically effective amount of IL-TIF is an amount sufficient to produce a clinically significant change in hematopoietic or immune function.
The present invention also contemplates chemically modified Anti-IL-TIF antibody and binding polyepeptide compositions, in which a Anti-IL-TIF antibody and binding polypeptide is linked with a polymer. Illustrative Anti-IL-TEF antibodies and binding polypeptides are soluble polypeptides that lack a functional transmembrane domain, such as a polypeptide consisting of amino acid residues 22 to 231. or 28 to 23 1 of SEQ ID N0:2. Typically, the polymer is v.ater soluble so that the Anti-IL-TIF

aniibody and binding polypeptide conjLigate does not precipitate ni an aqueous envii-onment. such as a physiological environment. An example of a su'tabie polymer is one that has beer, modified to have a single reactive group, such as an acr.xe ester for acylafion, or a;: aldehyde for alkylation, In this way. the degree of pol\merization can be controlled. An example of a reacti\e aldehyde is polyethylene glycol propionaldehyde, or mono-(Cl-ClO) alkoxy, or arylo.\y derivatives thereof (see, for example, Harris, c: al, U.S. Patent No. 5,252,714) The polymer may be branched or unbranched. Moreover, a mixture of polymers can be used to produce Anti-IL-TIF antibody and binding polypeptide conjugates.
Anti-IL-TIF antibody and binding polypeptide conjugates used for therapy can comprise pharmaceutically acceptable water-soluble polymer moieties. Suitable water-soluble polymers include polyethylene glycol (PEG), monomethoxy-PEG, mono-(Cl-C10)alkoxy-PEG, aryloxy-PEG, poly-(N-vinyl pyn-o!idone)PEG, tresyl monomethoxy PEG, PEG propionaldehyde, bis-succinimidy! carbonate PEG, propylene glycol homopolymers, a polypropylene oxide/ethylene oxide co-polymer, polyoxyethylated polyols (e.g., glycerol), polyvinyl alcohol, dextran, cellulose, or other carbohydrate-based polymers. Suitable PEG may have a molecular weight from about 600 to about 60,000, including, for example, 5,000, 12,000, 20,000 and 25,000. A Anti-IL-TIF antibody or binding polypeptide conjugate can also comprise a mixture of such water-soluble polymers.
One example of a Anti-IL-TIF antibody or binding polypeptide conjugate comprises a Anti-EL-TIF antibody or binding polypeptide moiety and a polyalkyl oxide moiety attached to the N-terminus of the Anti-IL-TIF antibody or binding polypeptide moiety. PEG is one suitable polyalkyl oxide. As an illustration, Anti-IL-TIF antibody or binding polypeptide can be modified with PEG, a process known as "PEGylation." PEGylation of Anti-IL-TIF antibody or binding polypepride can be earned out by any of the PEGylation reactions known in the art (see, for example, EP 0 154 316, Delgado et al, Critical Reviews in Therapeutic Drug Carrier Systems 9:249 11992), Duncan and Spreafico, Clin. Pharmacokinet. 27:290 (1994), and Francis'er al, In: J Hematol 68:1 (1998)). For example, PEGylation can be performed by an acylation reaction or by an alkylation reaction with a reactive polyethylene glycol

molecule. In an alternative approach. Anti-IL-TIF antibody or binding polypeptide conjugale,s are I'orrred by condensing acliwated PEG, in which a tei-minal hx'droxy or amino group of PEG has been replaced by ar. acliv'ated linker (see, for example, Karasieuicz ei ai, L'.S. Patent No. 5,382,657).
PEGv'lation by acylation typically requires reacting an active ester derivatix'e of PEG with a Anti-iL-TIF antibody or binding polypeptide polypeptide. An example of an activated PEG ester is PEG esterified to N-hydroxysuccinimice. As used herein, the term "acylation" includes the following types of linkages between Anti-EL-TIF antibody or binding polypeptide and a water soluble polymer; amide, carbamate, Lirethane, and the like. Methods for preparing PEGylated Anti-IL-TlF antibody or binding polypeptide by acylation will typically comprise the steps of (a) reacting a Anti-EL-TIF antibody or binding polypeptide polypeptide with PEG (such as a reactive ester of an aldehyde den\ative of PEG) under condidons whereby one or more PEG groups attach to Anti-IL-TEF antibody or binding polypeptide, and (b) obtaining the reaction product(s). Generally, the optimal reacdon condidons for acylation reactions will be determined based upon known parameters and desired results. For example, the larger the rado of PEGiAnd-IL-TEF antibody or binding polypeptide, the greater the percentage of polyPEGylated Anti-EL-TIF andbody or binding polypeptide product.
The product of PEGyladon by acylation is typically a polyPEGylated And-D^-TIF andbody or binding polypepdde product, wherein the lysine e-amino groups are PEGylated via an acyl linking group. An example of a connecting linkage is an amide. Typically, the resulting Anti-IL-TEF andbody or binding polypeptide will be at least 95% mono-, di-, or tri-pegylated, although some species with higher degrees of PEGylation may be formed depending upon the reacdon condidons. PEGylated species can be separated from unconjugated And-IL-TIF andbody or binding polypepdde polypeptides using standard purificadon methods, such as dialysis, ultrafiltradon, ion exchange chromatography, affinity chromatography, and the like.
PEGylation by alkyladon generally involves reacting a terminal aldehyde derivatixe of PEG with Anti-IL-TIF antibody or binding polypeptide in the presence of a reducing agent. PEG groups can be attached to the polypeptide via a -CFL-NH group.

Der'iN'atization via reductive alkyhition to pi-oduce a moiioPEGylated product takes ad\'antage of the diffci-ential rcactivKy of different types of primary amino groups avaikible for derivatization. Typically, tiie i"eaction is performed at a pH that allows one to take advant£ige of the pKa differences between the e-amino groups of the lysine residues and the a-amino group of the A/'-terminal residue of the protein. By such selective derivatization, attachment of a water-soluble polymer that contains a reactive group such as an aldehyde, to a protein is controlled. The conjugation with the polymer occurs predominantly at the /V-terminus of the protein without significant modification of other reactive groups such as the lysine side chain amino groups. The present invention provides a substantially homogenous preparation of Anti-IL-TIF antibody or binding polypeptide monopolymer conjugates.
Reductive alkylation to produce a substantially homogenous population of monopolymer Anti-EL-TIF antibody or binding polypeptide conjugate molecule can comprise the steps of: (a) reacting a Anti-IL-TEF antibody or binding polypeptide polypeptide with a reactive PEG under reductive alkylation conditions at a pH suitable to penrnit selective modification of the a-amino group at the amino tenninus of the Anti-IL-TIF antibody or binding polypeptide, and (b) obtaining the reaction product(s). The reducing agent used for reductive alkylation should be stable in aqueous solution and able to reduce only the Schiff base formed in the initial process of reductive alkylation. Illustrative reducing agents include sodium borohydride, sodium cyanoborohydride, dimethylamine borane, trimethylamine borane, and pyridine borane.
For a substantially homogenous population of monopolymer Anti-IL-TIF antibody or binding polypeptide conjugates, the reductive alkylation reaction conditions are those that permit the selective attachment of the water-soluble polymer moiety to the N-terminus of Anti-FL-TIF antibody or binding polypeptide. Such reaction conditions generally provide for pKa differences between the lysine amino groups and the a-amino group at the iV-tenninus. The pH also affects the ratio of polymer to protein to be used. In general, if the pH is lower, a larger excess of polymer to protein will be desired because the less reactive the N-terminal a-group, the more polymer is needed to achieve optimal conditions. If the pH is higher, the polymer:Anti-EL-TIF antibody or binding polypeptide need not be as large because more reactivc groups are

available. Typical!}, llie pH will fall within the range of 3 to 9. or 3 to 6. T'.-is method can be employed for making anti-FL-TIF anlibody or binding polypeptide-.-omprisin2 homodimeric, heterodimeric or mulLimeric soluble receptor conjugates.
.Another factor to consider is the molecular v\eight of the wa:er-soluble polyTier. Generally, the higher the molecular weight of the polymer, the fev. er number of polymer molecules which may be attached to the protein. For PEGylation reactions, the typical molecular weight is about 2 kDa to about 100 IJDa, about 5 IcDa lo about 50 kDa, or about 12 kDa to about 25 kDa. The molar ratio of water-soluble polymer to AntiTL-TIF antibody or binding polypeptide will generally be in the range of 1:1 to 100:1. Typically, the molar ratio of water-soluble polymer to Anti-IL-TIF antibody or binding polypeptide will be 1:1 to 20:1 for poh'PEGylation, and 1:1 to 5:1 for monoPEGylation.
General methods for producing conjugates comprising a polypeptide and water-soluble poh'mer moieties are known in the art. See, for example, Karasievvicz et al, U.S. Patent No. 5,382,657, Greenwald et ai, U.S. Patent No. 5,738. 846, Nieforth el ai. Clin. Pharmacol. Ther. 59:636 (1996), Monkarsh et ai. Anal. Biochem. 247:434-(1997)). This method can be employed for making anti-IL-TIF antibody or binding polypeptide-comprising homodimeric, heterodimenc or multimeric soluble receptor conjugates.
A pharmaceutical composition comprising Anti-IL-TIF antibodies or binding partners (or Anti-IL-TIF antibody fragments, antibody fusions, humanized antibodies and the like) can be furnished in liquid form, in an aerosol, or in solid form. Liquid forms, are illustrated by injectable solutions, aerosols, droplets, topological solutions and oral suspensions. Exemplary solid forms include capsules, tablets, and controlled-release forms. The latter form is illustrated by miniosmotic pumps and implants (Bremer et ah, Pharm. Biotechnol. 10:239 (1997); Ranade, "Implants in Drug Delivery," in Drug Delivery Systems, Ranade and Hollinger (eds.), pages 95-123 (CRC Press 1995); Bremer et al, "Protein Delivery with Infusion Pumps,'" in Protein Delivery: Physical Systems, Sanders and Flendren (eds.), pages 239-254 (Plenum Press 1997); Yewey er ai, "Delivery of Proteins from a Controlled Release Injectable Implant," in Protein Delivery: Physical Systems, Sanders and Hendren (eds.). pages 93-

Ill (Plenum Press 1997)). Other solid forms include creams, pastes, other topological applications, and the like.
Liposomes provide one means to deliver therapeutic polypeotides lo a Subject intravenously, intrapcntoneally, intrathecally, intramuscularly, subcutaneously, or via oral administration, inhalation, or intranasal administration. Liposomes are microscopic vesicles that consist of one or more lipid bilayers suiTounding aqueous compartments (see. generally, Bakker-Woudenberg et al, Eur. J. Clin. Microbiol. Infect. Dis. 12 iSuppl. l).S6\ (1993), Kim, Drugs 46:618 (1993), and Ranade, "Site-Specific Drug Delivery Using Liposomes as Gamers," in Drug Delivery Systems, Ranade and Hollinger (eds.), pages 3-24 (CRC Press 1995)). Liposomes are similar in composition to cellular membranes and as a result, liposomes can be administered safely and are biodegradable. Depending on the method of preparation, liposomes may be unilamellar or multilamellar, and liposomes can vary in size with diameters ranging from 0.02 j.tm to greater than 10 |.im. A variety of agents can be encapsulated in liposomes: hydrophobic agents partition in the bilayers and hydrophilic agents partition within the inner aqueous space(s) (see, for example, Machy et ai, Liposomes In Cell Biology And Phannacology (John Libbey 1987), and Ostro et al, American J. Hosp. Pharm. 46:1516 (1989)). Moreover, it is possible to control the therapeutic availability of the encapsulated agent by varying liposome size, the number of bilayers, lipid composition, as well as the charge and surface characteristics of the liposomes.
Liposomes can adsorb to virtually any type of cell and then slowly release the encapsulated agent. Alternatively, an absorbed liposome may be endocytosed by cells that are phagocytic. Endocytosis is followed by intralysosomal degradation of liposomal lipids and release of the encapsulated agents (Scherphof et al, Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci. 446:368 (1985)). After intravenous administration, small liposomes (0.1 to 1.0 ).Lm) are typically taken up by cells of the redculoendothelial system, located principally in the liver and spleen, whereas liposomes larger than 3.0 |itm are deposited in the lung. This preferential uptake of smaller liposomes by the cells of the reticuloendothelial system has been used to deliver chemotherapeutic agents to macrophages and to tumors of the liver.

The reticuloendothelial system can be circumvented by several methods including saturation with large doses of liposome parucles, or seiecti\e macrophage inactivation by pharmacological means (Claass£n ci ciL, Biocliiiu. Bicphys. Acta 802:428 (1984'). In addition, incorporation of glycolipid- or polyethelene glycol-derivatized phospholipids into liposome membanes has been shown to result in a significantly reduced uptake by the reticuloendothelial system (Allen '., Biochini. Biophys. Acta ;06S: 133 (1991); Allen ct ai, Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1150:9 ■1993)).
Liposomes can also be prepared to target particular cells or'organs by varying phospnolipid composition or by inserting receptors or ligancs into the liposomes. For example, liposomes, prepared with a high content of a nonionic surfactant, ha\e been used to target the liver (Hayakawa et al., Japanese Patent 04-244,018; Kato et al, Biol. Pharm. Bull. 16:960 (1993)). These formulations were prepared by mixing soybean phospatidylchoime, a-tocopherol, and ethoxylated hydrogenated castor oil (HCO-60) in methanol, concentrating the mixture under vacuum, and then reconstituting the mixture with water. A liposomal formulation of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) v/ith a soybean-derived sterylglucoside mixture (SG) and cholesterol (Ch) has also been shown to target the liver (Shimizu et ai, Biol. Phann. Bull. 20:881 (1997)).
Alternatively, various targeting ligands can be bound to the surface of the liposome, such as antibodies, antibody fragments, carbohydrates, vitamins, and transport proteins. For example, liposomes can be modified with branched type galactosyllipid derivatives to target asialoglycoprotein (galactose) receptors, which are exclusively expressed on the surface of liver cells (Kato and Sugiyama, Crit. Rev. Ther. Drug earner Svst. 14:287 (1997); Murahashi et ai, Biol. Pharm. Bull. 20:259 (1997)). Similariy, Wu et al, Hepatologv 27:772 (1998), have shown that labeling liposomes with asialofetuin led to a shortened liposome plasma half-life and greatly enhanced uptake of asialofetuin-labeled liposome by hepatocytes. On the other hand, hepaUc accumulation of liposomes comprising branched type galactosyllipid derivatives can be inhibited by pi'einjection of asialofetuin (Murahashi et al, Biol. Pharm. Bull. 20:259 (1997)). Pohaconitylated human serum albuiTiin liposomes provide another approach for targeting liposomes to liver cells (Kamps et al, Proc. Nat'l .A.cad. Sci. USA

04:11681 (1997)). Moreover, Geho, ei al. U.S. Patent No. 4,603,044. describe a hcpaiocyie-dircctcd liposome \esicle delivery system, vvhicdi has speeificity for hepatobiliary receptors associated with the specialized metabolic cells of the liver.
In a more general approach to tissue targeting, target cells are prelabeled with biotmylated antibodies specific for a ligand expressed by the target cell (Flarasym a al., Adv. Drug Deliv. Rev. 32:99 (1998)). After plasma elimination of free antibody, streptavidm-conjugated liposomes are administered. In another approach, targeting antibodies are directly attached to liposomes (Harasym el al., Adv. Drug Deliv. Rev. 32:99(1998)).
Anti-IL-TIF neutralizing antibodies and binding partners with IL-TIF binding activity can be encapsulated within liposomes using standard techniques of protein microencapsulation (see, for example, Anderson et al.. Infect. Imniun. 31:1099 (1981), Anderson et al. Cancer Res. 50:1853 (1990), and Cohen ct al. Biochim. Biophvs. Acta 1063:95 (1991), Alving et al. "Preparation and Use of Uiposomes in Immunological Studies," in Liposome Technology, 2nd Edition, Vol. Ill, Gregoriadis (ed.), page 317 (CRC Press 1993), Wassef e/ al, Meth. Enzymol 149:124 (1987)). As noted above, therapeutically useful liposomes may contain a variety of components. For example, liposomes may comprise lipid derivatives of poly(ethylene glycol) (Allen et al, Biochim. Biophvs. Acta 1150:9 (1993)).
Degradable polymer microspheres have been designed to maintain high systemic levels of therapeutic proteins. Microspheres are prepared from degradable polymers such as poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLC), polyanhydrides, poly (ortho esters), nonbiodegradable ethylvinyl acetate polymers, in which proteins are entrapped in the polymer (Gombotz and Pettit, Bioconiugate Chem. 6:332 (1995); Ranade, "Role of Polymers in Drug Delivery," in Drug Delivery Systems, Ranade and Hollinger (eds.), pages 51-93 (CRC Press 1995); Roskos and Masldewicz, "Degradable Controlled Release Systems Useful for Protein Delivery," in Protein Delivery: Physical Systems, Sanders and Hendren (eds.), pages 45-92 (Plenum Press 1997); Bartus et al, Science 281:1161 (1998); Putney and Burke, Nature Biotechnology 16:153 (1998); Putney, Curr. Opm. Chem. Biol. 2:548 (1998)). Polyethylene glycol (PEG)-coated nanospheres

can also provide carriers for intravenous adminislraiion of tlieiapeulic prolcins (see, for example, Grd el a Pliarm. Biotechnol. 10:167 (!''97)).
The present invention also contemplates chemically modified Anti-IL-TIF antibody or binding partner, for example anti-Anti-lL-TIF antibodies linked with a polymer, as discussed above.
Other dosage forms can be devised by those skilled in the art. as shown, for example, by Ansel and Popovich, Pharniaceutical Dosage Forms and Drug Delivery Systems, th Edition (Lea & Febiger 1990), Gennaro (ed.), Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, 19" Edition (Mack Publishing Company 1995), and by Ranade and Hollinger, Drug Delivery Systems (CRC Press 1996).
The present invention contemplates compositions comprising a peptide or polypeptide described herein. Such compositions can further comprise a carrier. The carrier can be a conventional organic or inorganic earner. Examples of earners include water, buffer solution, alcohol, propylene glycol, macrogol, sesame oil, com oil, and the like.
The invention is further illustrated by the following non-limiting examples.
EXAMPLES
Example 1 Identification and Cloning IL-TEF EL-TEF polynucleotide was obtained by PCR from tissue based on Northern Analysis (Example 2, below) and by further PCR using oligonucleotides ZC25,840 (SEQ ID N0:5) and ZC25,841 (SEQ ID N0:6) in a PCR using human mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) cDNA. Thermocycler conditions were as described in Example 2 below. The resulting 1082 bp full length sequence is disclosed in SEQ ID N0:1 and the corresponding amino acid sequence is shown in SEQ ID XO:2 and SEQ ID N0:3. The full length novel cytokine was designated IL-TIF.

Example 2 IL-TIF Tissue Distribution Norihems were peiformed using Human Multiple Tissue Blots (MTNl, MTN2 and MTN3) from Clontech (Talo Alto, CA) to determine the tissue distribution of human IL-TIF. A 237 bp cDNA probe was obtained usmg the PCR. Oligonucleotides ZC25,838 (SEQ ID NO:7) and ZC25,839 (SEQ ID NO;S i were used as primers. Marathon cDNA, synthesized in-house using Marathon cDNA Kit (Clontech) and protocol, was used as a template. The following human tissue specific cDNAs were also used: lymph node, bone marrow, CD4+, CD8+, spleen, and MLR, along with human genomic DNA (Clontech). Thermocycler conditions were as follows: one cycle at 94°C for 2 min.; 35 cycles of 94°C for 15 sec, 62°C for 20 sec, and 72°C for 30 sec; one cycle at 72°C for 7 min.; followed by a 4°C hold. The correct predicted band size (237 bp) was observed on a 4% agarose gel in CD4+ and MLR reactions, along with the genomic DNA reaction. A band was excised and purified using a Gel Extraction Kit (Qiagen, Chatsworth, CA) according to manufacturer's instructions. The cDNA was radioactively labeled using a Rediprime 11 DNA labeling kit (Amersham, Arlington Heights, EL) according to the manufacturer's specifications. The probe was purified using a NUCTRAP push column (Stratagene Cloning Systems, La Jolla, CA). EXPRESSHYB (Clontech, Palo Alto, CA) solution was used for prehybridization and as a hybridizing solution. Hybridization took place overnight at 55°C, using 2 x 10 cpm/ml labeled probe. The blots were then washed in 2X SSC and 0.1% SDS at room
temperature, then with 2X SSC and 0.1% SDS at 650C, followed by a wash in O.IX SSC and 0.1% SDS at 65°C. The blots were exposed 5 days to Biomax MS film (Kodak, Rochester, NY). No transcript signals were observed on the MTN blots after development.
A RNA Master Dot Blot (Clontech) that contained RNAs from various tissues that were normalized to 8 housekeeping genes was also probed and hybridized as described above. A signal was observed in genomic DN.A,. While a famt signal in lymph node and very faint signals in fetal liver, skeletal muscle, and placenta w'ere

observed it was inconclusive whellier these signals were significantly above baclcgr'ound.
Example 3 [deniification of Cells Expressms IL-TIF Using RT-PCR
Specific human cell types were isolated and screened for IL-TIF expression by RT-PCR. B-cells were isolated from fresh human tonsils by mechanical disruption through 100 [.tm nylon cell strainers (Becton Dickinson Biosciences, Franklin Lakes, NJ). The B-cell suspensions were enriched for CDI9+ B-cells by positive selection with VanoMACS VS+ magnetic column and CD 19 microbeads (Miltenyi Biotec, Auburn, CA) as per manufacturer's instructions. T-cells were isolated from human apheresed blood samples. CD3+ T-cells were purified by CD3 microbead VanoMACS positive selection and monocytes were purified by VarioMACS negative selection columns (Miltenyi) as per manufacturer's instructions. Samples from each population were stained and analyzed by fluorescent antibody cell sorting (FACS) (Bectin Dickinson, San Jose, CA) analysis to deiennine the percent enrichment and resulting yields. CD 19+ B-cells were approximately 96% purified, CD3-I- T-cells were approximately 95% purified, and monocytes were approximately 96% purified.
RNA was prepared, using a standard method in the art, from all three cell types that were either resting or activated. RNA was isolated from resting cells directly from the column preparations above. The CD 19+ and CD3+ cells were activated by culturing at 500,000 cells/ml in RPMI + 10%FBS containing PMA 5ng/ml -(Calbiochem, La Jolla, CA) and lonomycin 0.5ug/ml (Calbiochem) for 4 and 24 hours. The monocytes were activated by culturing in RPMI + 10% FBS containing LPS 10 ng/ml (Sigma St. Louis MO) and rhIFN-g 10 ng/ml (R&D, Minneapolis, MN) for 24 hours. Cells were harvested and washed in PBS. RNA was prepared from the cell pellets using RXeasy MidiprepTM Kit (Qiagen, Valencia, CA) as per manufacturer's instructions and first strand cDNA synthesis was generated with Superscript II™ Kit (GIBCO BRL, Grand Island, NY) as per manufacturers protocol.
Oiigos ZC25,838 (SEQ ID N0:7 and ZC25,S40 (SEQ ID N0:5) were used in a PCR reaction to screen the above desciibed samples for a 473 bp fragment

coiTCsponding to IL-TIF message, PCR amplification was performed with Taq Polymerase (BRL Grand Island NY), and reaction conditions as follows: 35 cvcles of 94°C for 15 sec, D2C for 20 sec, 72"C for 30 sec; 1 cycle at 72T for 7 and 4°C soak. 5LII of each 50 |.L1 reaction volume was run on a .9% agarose .5XTBE gel to identify resultant products. Table 5 below describes the results. PCR products were scored as (-) for no product, (+) for expected PCR product visible. {+) increased presence of PCR product and (+++) being the strongest signal.

Example 4 Identification of hIL-TIF Message in an Activated T-Cell Library A. The vector for CD3+ selected library construction
The vector for CD3+ selected library construction was pZP7NX. The pZP7NX vector uas previously constructed as follows: The coding region for the DHFR selective marker in vector pZP7 was removed by DNA digestion with Ncol and PstI restriction enzymes (Boehringer Mannheim). The digested DNA was run on 1% agarose gel, cut out and gel purified using the Qiagen Gel E.Ktraclion Kit (Qiugen) as

pci- manLifacturer's instructions. A DNA fragment representing the coding region of Zeocin selecti\e marker was amplified by PCR method with primei'S ZC 13,946 (SEQ ID N0:9) and ZC13,945 (SEQ ID NOilO). and pZeoS\'2(+) as a template. There are additional PstI and Bell restriction sites in primer ZCl3,946 (SEQ 113 N0:9), and additional Ncol and Sful sites m primer ZCl3.945 (SEQ ID NO: 10). The PCR fragment was ctit with PstI and Ncol restriction enzymes and cloned into pZP7 vector prepared by ciea\'ing with the same two enzymes and subsequent gel punfication. This vector was named pZP7Z. Then the Zeocin coding region was removed by DNA digestion of vector pZP7Z with Bell and Sful restriction enzymes. The digested DNA was run on 1% agarose gel, cut out and gel purified, and then ligated with a DNA fragment of Neomycin coding region cut from pZem228 vector with the same restriction enzymes (Bell and Sful).
This new vector was named pZP7N, in which the coding region for DFIER selective marker was replaced by the coding region for a Neomycin selective marker from vector pZem228. A stuffer fragment including an Xhol site vsas added to pZP7N to create a vector suitable for high efficiency directional cloning of cDNA; this new vector was called pZP7NX. To prepare the vector for cDNA, 20|.Lg of pZP7NX was digested with 20 units of EcoRl (Life Technologies Gaithersberg,IvID) and 20 units of Xhol (Boehringer Mannheim Indianapolis.IN) for 5 hours at 37°C, then 68°C for 15 minutes. The digest was then run on a 0.8% low melt agarose IXTAE gel to separate the stuffer from the vector. The vector band was excised and digested with "beta-Agarase" (New England Biolabs, Beverly, MA) following the manufacturer's recommendations. After ethanol precipitation the digested vector was resuspended in water to 45ng/ml in preparation for ligation of CD3+ selected cDNA library described below.
B. Preparation of primarv human activated CD3-f selected cell cDNA library
Q
Approximately 1.5X10 primary human CD3+ selected cells stimulated in ionomycin/PMA were isolated by centrifugation after culttiring at 37C for 13 hours. Total RNA was isolated from the cell pellet using the "RNeasy IVlidi" kit from Qiagen, Inc. (Valencia, CA). mRNA was isolated from 225 micrograms of total RNA using the

"MPG mRNA pLirification kit" from CPG Inc. (Lincoln Park, NJ). 3.4 mici-ograms of niRNA was isokiied and converted to doLible stranded cDN.A u.smg the following procedure.
First strand cDNA from stimulated human CD3+ selected cells was synthesized as •follows. Nine ill Oligo d(Tj-5elected poly(A) CD3+ RNA at a concentration of 0.34 f.ig/ μl and 1.0 Lil of 1 ug /til first strand primer ZC1S,698 (SEQ ID N0:1I) containing an Xhol restriction site were mixed and heated at 65°C for 4 minutes and cooled by chilling on ice. First strand cDNA synthesis was initiated by the addition of 9 μl of first strand buffer (5x SUPERSCRIPT® buffer; Life Technologies), 4 ΜL of 100 mM dithiothreitol and 2 |.tl of a deoxynucleotide triphosphate solution containing 10 mM each of dATP, dGTP, dTTP and 5-methyl-dCTP (Pharmacia Biotech Inc.) to the RNA-primer mixture. The reaction mixture was incubated at 45° C for 4 minutes followed by the addition of 8 μl of 200 U/μl Superscript!!®, RNase FI- reverse transcriptase (Life Technologies). The reaction was incubated at 45° C for 45 minutes followed by an incubation ramp of 1° C every 2 minutes to 50° C where the reaction was held for 10 minutes. To denature any secondary structure and allow for additional extension of the cDNA the reaction was then heated to 70° C for 2 minutes then dropped to 55° C for 4 minutes after which 2 μl of Superscriptll® RT was added and incubated an additional 15 minutes followed by a ramp up to 70°C at 1 minute/l°C. Unincorporated nucleotides were removed from the cDNA by twice precipitating in the presence of 2μg of glycogen carrier, 2.0 M ammonium acetate and 2.5 volume ethanol, followed by a 100 |Ld wash with 70% ethanol. The cDNA was resuspended in 98 μl water for use in second strand synthesis.
Second strand synthesis was performed on the first strand cDNA under conditions that promoted first strand priming of second strand synthesis resulting in DNA haiipin foiTnation. The second strand reaction contained 98 \xl of the first strand cDNA, 30 μl of 5x polymerase I buffer (100 mM Tns: HCl, pH 7.5, 500 mM KCl, 25 mM MgC12, 50 mM (NF14)2S04), 2 |.U of 100 miM dithiothreitol, 6 Lil of a solution containing 10 mM of each deoxynucleotide triphosphate, 5μl of 5 mM b-NAD, 1 |.d of 3 U/ul E. coli DNA ligase (New England Biolab. Inc.) and 4 μl of 10 U/μ E. coli DNA polymerase 1 (New England Biolabs Inc.). The reaction was assembled at room

temperature and was incubated at room temperature for 2 minutes followed by the addition of 4 μI of 3.8 U/μl RNase H (Life Technologies). The reaction was incubated at 15° C for two hours followed by a 15 minute incubation at room temperature. 10 μl of IM TRIS pH7.4 was added to the reaction and extracted twice with phenol/chlorofoi'm and once with chloroform, the organic phases were then back extracted with 50 ul of TE (lOmM TRIS p?I 7.4, ImM EDTA), pooled with the other aqueous and ethanol precipitated in the presence of 0.3 M sodium acetate. The pellet was washed with 100 f.il 70% ethanol air dried and resuspended in 40 μl water.
The single-stranded DNA of the hairpin structure was cleaved using mung bean nuclease. The reaction mixture contained 40 |.il of second strand cDNA, 5 |.il of lOx mung bean nuclease buffer (Life technologies), 5 \x\ of mung bean nuclease (Pharmacia Biotech Corp.) diluted to lU/jil in IX mung bean nuclease buffer. The reaction was incubated at 37° C for 45 minutes. The reaction was terminated by the addition of 10 ^.il of 1 M Tris: HCl, pH 7.4 followed by sequential phenol/chlorofomi and chloroform extractions as described above. Following the extractions, the cDNA was ethanol precipitated in the presence of 0.3 M sodium acetate. The pellet was washed with 100 p.1 70% ethanol air dried and resuspended in 38 ^,1 water.
The resuspended cDNA was blunt-ended with T4 DNA polymerase. The cDNA, which y/as resuspended in 38 |il of water, was mixed with 12 ^il 5x T4 DNA polymerase buffer (250 mM Tris:HCl, pH 8.0, 250 mM KCl, 25 mM MgC12), 2 jxl 0.1 M dithiothreitol, 6 p,l of a solution containing 10 mM of each deoxynucleotide triphosphate and 2 fil of 1 U/μ! T4 DNA polymerase (Boehringer Mannheim Corp.). After an incubation of 45 minutes at 15° C, the reaction was terminated by the addition of 30 }.d TE followed by sequential jhenol/chloroform and chloroform extractions and back extracted with 20 |il TE as described above. The DNA was ethanol precipitated in the presence of 2 (.d Pellet PaintTM (Novagen) carrier and 0.3 M sodium acetate and was resuspended 11 |.tl of water.
Eco RI adapters were ligated onto the 5' ends of the cDNA described above to enable cloning into an expression vector. 11 μl of cDNA and 4 μl of 65 pmole/μl of Eco RI hemiphophorylated adaptor (Pharmacia Biotech Corp) were mixed

with 5 ,LL1 5X ligase buffer (Life Technologies), 2 ul of 10 mM ATP ar.d 3 u: of 1 U/μ! T4 DNA ligase (Life Technologies), 1 ul lOX ligation buffer (Pronega Corp), 9 ul water. The extra dilution with IX buffer v\as to prevent the pellet raint froni precipitating. The reaction was incubated 9 hours in a water bath temper.uure ramp from l0C to 22'C over 9 hours, followed by 45 minutes at 25'C. The reaction was terminated by inccbation at 68°C for 15 minutes.
To facilitate the directional cloning of the cDNA into an expression vector, the cDNA was digested with Xhol, resulting in a cDXA hax'ing a 5' Eco RI cohesive end and a 3' Xhol cohesive end. The Xhol restriction site at the ?' end of the cDNA had been previously introduced using the ZC1869S primer. Restriction enzyme digestion was earned out in a reaction mixture containing 35 ul of the ligation mix described above, 6 )^il of lOx H buffer (Boehringer Mannheim Corp.), 1 ul of 2mg/ml BS.-\ (Biolabs Corp.), 17 jil water and 1.0 ).il of 40 U/μl Xhol (Boehringer Mannheim). Digestion was earned out at 37°C for 1 hour. The reaction was terminated by incubation at 68C for 15 minutes followed by ethanol precipitation, washing drying as descnbed above and resuspension in 30 μl water.
The resuspended cDNA was heated to 65° C for 5 minutes and cooled on ice, 4 |.il of 5X gel loading dye (Research Genetics Corp.) was added, the cDNA was loaded onto a O.8% low melt agarose IX TAE gel (SEA PLAQUE GTGTM low melt agarose; FMC Corp.) and electrophoresed. The contaminating adapters and cDNA below 0.6 Kb in length were excised from the gel. The electrodes were reversed, molten agarose was added to fill in the wells, the buffer was changed and the cDNA was electrophoresed until concentrated near the lane origin. The area of the gel containing the concentrated cDNA was excised and placed in a microfuge tube, and the agarose was melted by heating to 65°C for 15 minutes. Following equilibration of the sample to 45°C. 2 μl of 1 U/μl Beta-agarase 1 (Biolabs, Inc.) was added, and the mixture was incubated for 90 min. at 45° C to digest the agarose. After incubation, 1 tenth volume of 3 M Na acetate was added to the sample, and the mixture was incubated on ice for 15 minutes. The sample v.as centrifuged at 14,000 x g for 15 minutes at room temperature to remove undigested agarose, the cDN.A was ethanol precipitated, washed in 70% ethanol, air-dried and resuspended in 40 ul water.

To determine the optimum ratio of cDNA to vector several ligatioris were assembled and elcctroporate.'. Briefly, 2 Ltl of 5X T4 ligase buffer (Lii'e Tecli;:olog-.es), 1 (.il of lUmVI ATP, 1 Li: pZpTNX digested with EcoRl-Xhoi, I li T4 DNA ligase diluted to 0.25u/ul (Life Technologies) water to 10 ul and 0.5. 1.2 or 3 ui of cDNA v. ere mixed in 4 separate ligations, incubated at 22' C tor 4 hours. 68' C for 20 miiv.r.es, sodium acetate-ethanol precipitated, washed, dried and resuspended in 10 II. A single microlilcr of each ligation was eleclroporated into 40 u! DHlOb E'.ectroMax''^' electrocompetent bacteria (Life Technologies) using a 0.1 cnr cuvetic (Biorad) and a Genepulser, pulse controllera (Biorad) set to 2.5KV. 25IF, 200 ohms. These cells were immediately resuspended in 1 ml. SOC broth (Manniatis, et al. sunra.) followed by 50011 of 50% glycerol-SOC as a preservative. These "'glycerol slocks " were frozen in se\cral aliquots at -70" C. An aliquot of each was thawed tmd plated serially on LB-agar plates supplemented with ampicillin at 100 ug/ml. Colony numbers indicated that the optimum ratio of CD3+ cDNA to pZP7NX vector was 1 ul to 45ng; such a ligation yielded 4.5 mallion primary clones.
C. PCR identification of IL-TIF messaee in activated T-Cell Library
PCR was perfoi-med using oligos ZC25,83S (SEQ ID N0:7) and ZC25,840 (SEQ ED N0:5) to screen the above library for presence of a 473 bp product coiTesponding to EL-TIF clones. PCR amplification was performed with Taq Polymerase (BRL Grand Island NY), and conditions as follows: 30 cycles of 94°C for 15 sec, 62°C 20 sec, 72°C 30 sec; 1 cycle at 72°C for 7 min.; and a 4°C soak. 5 ,LL1 of each 50 }.d reaction volume was run on a 0.9% agarose 0.5X TBE gel to identify resultant products. Table 6 below describes the results. PCR products were scored as (-) for no product, (+) for expected PCR product visible, (++) increased presence of PCR product and (+--) being the strongest signal.


Example 5 Southern Biol Analysis
Southem blots were performed usmg EVO Mammalian Group/EcoRI Southern Blots (Quantum Biotechnologies, Inc., Montreal, Canada) to detennine the presence of orthologous II^-TIF sequences. A IL-TIF probe was generated by labeling 25 ng of IL-TIF fragment, as described in Example 2, using Pnme-It 11 Random Primer labeling kit (Stratagene, La Jolla, CA). Hybridization was performed using Expresshyb (Clontech) with 5x10^ cpm/ml probe and conditions of 65°C overnight. Stringency washes were perfoiTned with 0.2X SSC, 0.1% SDS at 45°C. The blot was exposed oveiTiight at -80°C to X-ray film and analyzed.
Results showed a strong approximately 1 kb band in the human genomic DNA sample with weaker bands present at approximately 7 and 20 kb for murine genomic DNA demonstrating the presence of a putative murine homolog for IL-TIF.
The mouse cDNA sequence was cloned using standard methods and is shown in SEQ ID NO:37, and corresponding polypeptides sequerice shov.n in SEQ ID NO;38.

Example 6 Chromosomal Assienmenl and Placement oi IL-'T'ir^'
IL-TIP was mapped to chromosome 12 usmg the commerc:ly available version of the "Stani'ord G3 Radiation Hybrid Mapping Panel" (Research Genetics, Inc., Huntsville, AL). The "Stanford G3 RH Panel" contams DNA from each of S3 radiation hybiid clones of tne whole human genome, plus two control DXAs (the RM donor and the A3 recipient). A publicly available WWW server (http://'shgc-wwv>:.?:anford.edu) allows chromosomal localization of markers and genes.
For the mapping of IL-TIF with the "Stanford G3 RH Panel", 20 ^1 reactions were se; up in a 96-we!l microtitcr plate compatible for FOR (Siratagene, La Jolla, CA) and used in a "RoboCycler Gradient 96" thermal cycler (Stratagenc). Each of the 85 PCR reactions consisted of 2 ji\ lOX KlenTaq PCR reaction buffei" CLONTECH Laboratories, Inc.. Palo Alto, CA), 1.6 clNTPs mix (2.5 mM each, FERKIN-ELMER, Foster City, C.-\). 1 l sense primer, ZC 26,414 (SEQ ID NO: 12), 1 /xl antisense primer, ZC 26,415 (SEQ ID NO: 13), 2 ^1 "RediLoad" (Research Genetics, Inc.. Huntsville, AL), 0.4 /xl 50X Advantage KlenTaq Polymerase Mix (Clontech Laboratories, Inc.), 25 ng of DNA from an individual hybrid clone or control and distilled water for a total volume of 20 /xl. The reactions were overlaid with an equal amount of mineral oil and sealed. The
PCR cycler conditions were as follows: an initial 1 cycle 5 minute denaturation at 94^0,
35 cycles of a 45 seconds denaturation at 94^0, 45 seconds annealing at 66°C and 1
minute AND 15 seconds extension at 72^0, followed by a final 1 cycle extension of 7
minutes at 72C. The reactions were separated by electrophoresis on a 2% agarose gel (EM Science, Gibbstown, NJ) and visualized by staining with ethidimm bromide.
The results showed linkage of IL-TIF to the chromosome 12 marker SHGC-17533 with a LOD score of >12 and at a distance of 0 cR_10000 from the marker. The use of suiTOunding genes and markers positions FL-TIF in the 12ql4-q24.3 chromosomal region.

Example 7 Constnicl lor Gcncratiiig CEE-iauQcd IL-TIF'
Oiigonucleoticles were designed lo generale a PCR fragmcy- conlainin£ the Kozak sequence and the coding region for IL-l'ir-, withoui its stop coJon. Tliese oHgonuclcolides were designed with a Kpnl site the 3' end and a BamllA site at tiie 3' end lo facilitate cloning into pnZ200-CEE, our standard vector for mammalian expression of C-terminal Glu-Glu tagged (SEQ ID NO; 14) proteins. Ti^e pHZIOO vectoi'contains an MT-l promoter.
PCR reactions were carried out usmg Turbo Pfu polymerase vStratagene) to amplify a IL-TlF cDN.A. fragment. About 20 ng human IL-TIF polynucleotide template (SEQ ID N0:1), and oligonucleotides ZC2S590 (SEQ TD NO: 16) and ZC285S0 (SEQ ID NOT7) were used in the PCR reaction. PCR reaction conditions were as follows; 95°C for 5 minutes,; 30 cycles of 95C for 60 seconds, 55°C for 60 seconds, and 72°C for 60 seconds; and 72°C for 10 minutes; followed b\- a 4°C hold. PCR products were separated by agarose gel electrophoresis and purified using a QiaQuickTM (Qiagen) gel extraction kit. The isolated, approximately 600 bp, DNA fragment was digested with Kpnl and BamHI (Boerhmger-Mannheim), gel purified as above and ligated into pPIZ200-CEE that was previously digested with Kpnl and Baml-n.
About one microliter of the ligation reaction was electroporated into DHIOB ElectroMax™ competent cells (GBCO BRL, Gaithersburg, MD) according to mantifacttirer's direction and plated onto LB plates containing 100 μg/ml ampicillin, and incubated overnight. Colonies were picked and screened by PCR using oligonucleoddes ZC28,590 (SEQ ID NO; 16) and ZC28,580 (SEQ ID NO: 17), with PCR conditions as described above. Clones containing inserts were then sequenced to confirm errorTree IL-TIF inserts, Maxipreps of the correct pFIZ200-IL-TIF-CEE construct, as verified by sequence analysis, were performed.

Hxaniple 8
Transfection And Expression of IL-TIF_CEE Polypepcides
BHK 370 cells (ATCC No. CRL-103M), were plaicLi at ahoiil 1X10^ cells/lOCi mm CLiiturc dish m 6.4 ml of serum iVee (SIO DMHM mecia (DN'IFM, Gibco/BRL Higii Glucose) (Gibco BRL, Gaithcrsburg, 1\'1D). The cells were iransfectecl wuli an expression plasmld containing H_.-'rih'--CEE described ab(ive (Exami)le 7), using Lipofectin'' (Gibco BRL), in serum free (SE) DNiEM according to manufacturer's iinstructions.
The cells were incubated at 37''C for approximately five hours, then JO ml of DVlEM/10k) fetal bovine serum (FBS) (Elyclone, Logan, UT) was added. The plates wei-e incubated at 37"C, 5% CO2, overnight and the DMEM/KL/r IT3S media was replaced with selection media (5% FBS/DMEM with 1 /iM methotrexate (MTX)) the next day.
Approximately 7-10 days post-transfection, pools of cells or colonies were mechanically picked to 12-vvcll plates in one ml of 59f'FCS/DMEM with 5 /xM MTX, then grown to confluence. Cells were then incubated in 5%FCS/DMEM with 10 ^M MTX for at least 14 days. Conditioned media samples from positi\'e expressing clonal colonies and pools were then tested for expression levels via SDS-PAGE and Western analysis. A high-expressing clonesor pools were picked and expanded for ample generation of conditioned media for purification of the IL-TEF-CEE expressed by the cells (Example 9).
Example 9 Purification of IL-TEF-CEE From BHK 570 cells Unless otherwise noted, all operations were carried out at 4°C. The following procedure was used for purifying IL-TIF polypeptide containing C-terminal GluGlu (EE) tags (SEQ ID NO: 14). A Protease inhibitor solution was added to the concentrated conditioned media containing IL-Tff-CEf£ (Example S) to final concentrations of 2.5 mM ethylenediaminetelraacetic acid (EDTA, Sigma Chemical Co.
9

St, Louis, MO), 0.003 mM leupeptin (Boehringer-Mannheim, Indianapolis. IN), 0.001 mM pepstatin (Boehringer-Mannheim) and 0.4 mM Pefabloc (Boehringer-Mannheim).
About 100 ml column of anti-EE G-Sepharose (prepared as described below) was poured in a Waters AP-5, 5 cm x 10 cm glass column. The column was flow packed tind equilibrated on a BioCad Sprint (PerSeptive BioSystems, Framingham, MA) with phosphate buffered saline (PBS) pH 7.4. The concentrated conditioned media was 0.2 micron sterile filtered, pH adjusted to 7.4, then loaded on the column overnight with about 1 ml/minute flow rate. The column was washed with 10 column volumes (CVs) of phosphate buffered saline (PBS, pH 7.4), then plug eluted with 200 ml of PBS (pH 6.0) containing 0.1 mg/ml EE peptide (Anaspec, San Jose, CA) at 5 ml/minute. The EE peptide used has the sequence EYMPME (SEQ ID NO: 14). Five ml fractions were collected over the entire elution chromatography and absorbance at 280 and 215 nM were monitored; the pass through and wash pools were also saved and analyzed. The EE-polypeptide elution peak fractions were analyzed for the target protein via SDS-PAGE Silver staining and Western Blotting with the anti-EE HRP conjugated antibody. The polypeptide elution fractions of interest were pooled and concentrated from 60 ml to 5.0 ml using a 10,000 Dalton molecular weight cutoff membrane spin concentrator (Millipore, Bedford, MA) according to the manufacturer's instructions.
To separate IL-TEF-CEE polypeptide from free EE peptide and any contaminating co-purifying proteins, the pooled concentrated fractions were subjected to size exclusion chromatography on a 1.5 x 90 cm Sephadex S200 (Pharmacia, Piscataway, NJ) column equilibrated and loaded in PBS at a flow rate of 1.0 ml/min using a BioCad Sprint. 1.5 ml fractions were collected across the entire chromatography and the absorbance at 280 and 215 nM were monitored. The peak fractions were characterized via SDS-PAGE Silver staining, and only the most pure fractions were pooled. This material represented purified IL-TIF-CEE polypeptide.
This purified material was finally subjected to a 4 ml ActiClean Etox (Sterogene) column to remove any remaining endotoxins. The sample was passed over the PBS equilibrated gravity column four times then the column was washed with a

single 3 ml volume of PBS, which was pooled with the "cleaned" sample. The material was then 0.2 micron sterile filtered and stored at -80°C until it was aliqtioted.
On Western blotted, Coomassie Blue and Silver stained SDS-PAGE gels, the IL-TIF-CEE polypeptide was two major bands and two mionor bands. The protein concentration of the purified material was performed by BCA analysis (Pierce, Rockford, IL) and the protein was aliquoted, and stored at -80°C according to standard procedures. In a Western blot analysis, all bands were immunoreactive with a rabbit anti-EL-TIF-peptide antibody (Example 16). The 4 bands likely represent different glycosylated forms of the IL-TIF polypeptide.
To prepare anti-EE Sepharose, a 100 ml bed volume of protein G-Sepharose (Pharmacia, Piscataway, NJ) was washed 3 times with 100 ml of PBS containing 0.02% sodium azide using a 500 ml Nalgene 0.45 micron filter unit. The gel was washed with 6.0 volumes of 200 mM triethanolamine, pH 8.2 (TEA, Sigma, St. Louis, MO), and an equal volume of EE antibody solution containing 900 mg of antibody was added. After an overnight incubation at 4°C, unbound antibody was removed by washing the resin with 5 volumes of 200 mM TEA as described above. The resin was resuspended in 2 volumes of TEA, transfen'ed to a suitable container, and dimethylpimilimidate-2HCl (Pierce, Rockford, IL) dissolved in TEA, was added to a final concentration of 36 mg/ml of protein G-Sepharose gel. The gel was rocked at room temperature for 45 min and the liquid was removed using the filter unit as described above. Nonspecific sites on the gel were then blocked by incubating for 10 min. at room temperature with 5 volumes of 20 mM ethanolamine in 200 mM TEA. The gel was then washed with 5 volumes of PBS containing 0.02% sodium azide and stored in this solution at 4°C.
Example 10
Generation of Non-tagged IL-TIF Recombinant Adenovirus
The protein coding region of human EL-TCF (SEQ ID NO:l; SEQ ID
N0:2) was amplified by PCR using primers that added Fsel and AscI restriction sties at
the 5' and 3' tei-mini respectively. PCR primers ZC26665 (SEQ ID NO:20) and
ZC26666 (SEQ ED N0:21) were used with pLNCY template plasmid containing the

fuU-lenglh IL-TIF cDNA in a PCR reaction as follows: one cycle at 95°C for 5 minutes; followed by 18 cycles at 95°C for 0.5 min., 58°C for 0.5 min., and 72°C for 0.5 min.; followed by 72C for 7 min.; followed by a 4°C soak. The PCR reaction product was loaded onto a 1.2 % (low melt) SeaPlaque GTG (FMC, Rockland, ME) gel in TAB buffer. The IL-TIF PCR product was excised from the gel and the gel slice melted at 70μ°C, extracted twice with an equal volume of Tris buffered phenol, and EtOH precipitated.
The 540 bp IL-TIF PCR product was digested with Fsel and AscI enzymes. The cDNA was isolated on a 1% low melt SeaPlaque GTG''^' (FMC, Rockland, ME) gel and was then excised from the gel and the gel slice melted at 70°C, extracted twice with an equal volume of Tris buffered phenol, and EtOH precipitated. The DNA was resuspended in 10μl H2O.
The IL-TEF cDNA was cloned into the Fsel-AscI sites of a modified pAdTrack CMV (He, T-C. et al., PNAS 95:2509-2514, 1998). This construct contains the GFP marker gene. The CMV promoter driving GFP expression was replaced with the SV40 prorhoter and the SV40 polyadenylation signal was replaced with the human growth hormone polyadenylation signal. In addition, the native polylinker was replaced with Fsel, EcoRV, and AscI sites. This modified form of pAdTrack CMV was named pZyTrack. Ligation was performed using the Fast-LinkTM DNA ligation and screening kit (Epicentre Technologies, Madison, WI). Clones containing the IL-TIF insert were identified by standard mini prep analysis. The cloned IL-TIF cDNA was sequenced to verify no errors were introduced during PCR. In order to linearize the plasmid, approximately 5 ng of the pZyTrack IL-TIF plasmid was digested with Pmel. Approximately 1 \xg of the linearized plasmid was cotransformed with 200ng of supercoiled pAdEasy (He et al., supra.) into BJ5183 cells. The co-transformation was done using a Bio-Rad Gene Pulser at 2.5kV, 200 ohms and 25mFa. The entire co-transformation was plated on 4 LB plates containing 25 μg/ml kanamycin. The smallest colonies were picked and expanded in LB/kanamycin and recombinant adenovirus DNA identified by standard DNA miniprep procedures. Digestion of the recombinant adenovirus DNA with Fsel-AscI confirmed the presence of IL-TIF. The

recombinant adenovirus miniprep DNA was transformed into DHIOB competent cells and DNA prepared using a Qiagen maxi prep kit as per kit instructions, Transfection of 293a Cells with Recombinant DNA
Approximately 5 Lig of recombinant adenoviral DNA was digested with Pad enzyme (New England Biolabs) for 3 hours at 37°C in a reaction volume of 100 μl containing 20-30U of Pad. The digested DNA was extracted twice w ith an equal volume of phenol/chloroform and precipitated with ethanol. The DNA pellet was resuspended in 5|.i] distilled water. A T25 flask of QBI-293A cells (Quantum Biotechnologies, Inc. Montreal, Qc. Canada), inoculated the day before and grown to 60-70% confluence, were transfected with the Pad digested DNA. The Pad-digested DNA was diluted up to a total volume of 50ul with sterile HBS (150mM NaCl, 20mM HEPES). In a separate tube, 25 |.il DOTAP (Boehringer Mannheim, Img/ml) was diluted to a total volume of 100^1 with HBS. The DNA was added to the DOTAP, mixed gently by pipeting up and down, and left at room temperature for 15 minutes. The media was removed from the 293A cells and washed with 5 ml serum-free MEMalpha (Gibco BRL) containing ImM Sodium Pyruvate (GibcoBRL), 0.1 naM MEM non-essential amino acids (GibcoBRL) and 25mM HEPES buffer (GibcoBRL). 5 ml of serum-free MEM was added to the 293A cells and held at 37°C. The DNA/lipid mixture was added drop-wise to the T25 flask of 293A cells, mixed gently and incubated at 37°C for 4 hours. After 4 hours the media containing the DNA/lipid mixture was aspirated off and replaced with 5 ml complete MEM containing 5% fetal bovine serum. The transfected cells were monitored for Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) expression and formation of foci, i.e., viral plaques.
Seven days after transfection of 293A cells with the recombinant adenoviral DNA, the cells expressed the GFP protein and started to form foci. These foci are viral "plaques" and the crude viral lysate was collected by using a cell scraper to collect all of the 293A cells. The lysate was transferred to a 50ml conical tube. To release most of the virus particles from the cells, three freeze/thaw cycles were done in a dry ice/ethanol bath and a 37°C waterbath. Amplification of Recombinant Adenovirus (rAdV)

The crude lysate was amplified (Primary (1°) amplification) to obtain a working "stock" of zsig45 rAdV lysate. Ten 10cm plates of nearly confluent (80-90%) 293A cells were set up 20 hours previously, 200ml of crude rAdV lysate added to each 10cm plate and monitored for 48 to 72 hours looking for CPE under the white light microscope and'expression of GFP under the fluorescent microscope. When all of the 293A cells showed CPE (Cytopathic Effect) this 1° stock lysate was collected and freeze/thaw cycles performed as described under Crude rAdV Lysate.
Secondary (2°) Amplification of zsig46 rAdV was obtained as follows: Twenty 15cm tissue culture dishes of 293A cells were prepared so that the cells were 80-90% confluent. All but 20 mis of 5%MEM media was removed and each dish was
inoculated with 300-500ml 1° amplified rAdv lysate. After 48 hours the 293A cells were lysed from virus production and this lysate was collected into 250ml polypropylene centrifuge bottles and the rAdV purified. rAdV/cDNA Purification
KP-40 detergent was added to a final concentration of 0.5% to the bottles of crude lysate in order to lyse all cells. Bottles were placed on a rotating platform for 10 min. agitating as fast as possible without the bottles falling over. The debris was pelleted by centrifugation at 20,000 X G for 15 minutes. The supernatant was transferred to 250ml polycarbonate centrifuge bottles and 0.5 volumes of 20%PEG8000/2.5M NaCl solution added. The bottles were shaken overnight on ice. The bottles were centrifuged at 20,000 X G for 15 minutes and supernatant discarded into a bleach solution. The white precipitate in two vertical lines along the wall of the bottle on either side of the spin mark is the precipitated virus/PEG. Using a sterile cell scraper, the precipitate from 2 bottles was resuspended in 2.5 ml PBS. The virus solution was placed in 2 ml microcentrifuge tubes and centrifuged at 14,000 X G in the microfuge for 10 minutes to remove any additional cell debris. The supernatant from the 2ml microcentrifuge tubes was transferred into a 15ml polypropylene snapcap tube and adjusted to a density of 1.34g/ml with cesium chloride (CsCl). The volume of the virus solution was estimated and 0.55 g/ml of CsCl added. The CsCl was dissolved and 1 ml of this solution weighed 1.34 g. The solution was transfeired polycarbonate thick-walled centrifuge tubes 3.2ml (Beckman) and spin at 80,000rpm (348,000 X G)

for 3-4 hours at 25C in a Beckman Optima TLX microultracentrifuge v. ith the TLA-100.4 rotor. The virus formed a white band. Using wide-bore pipette tips, the virus band was collected.
The virus from the gradient has a large amount of CsCl which must be removed before it can be used on cells. Pharmacia PD-10 columns prepacked with Sephadex G-25M (Pharmacia) were used to desalt the virus preparation. The column was equilibrated with 20 ml of PBS. The virus was loaded and allow it to run into the column. 5 ml of PBS was added to the column and fractions of 8-10 drops collected. The optical densities of 1:50 dilutions of each fraction was determined at 260 nm on a spectrophotometer. A clear absorbance peak was present between fractions 7-12. These fractions were pooled and the optical density (OD) of a 1:25 dilution determined. A formula is used to convert OD into virus concentration: (OD at 260nm)(25)(l.l x
1012) = virions/ml. The OD of a 1:25 dilution of the IL-TIF rAdV was 0.134, giving a
virus concentration of 3.7 X 1012 virions/ml.
To store the virus, glycerol was added to the purified virus to a final concentration of 15%, mixed gently but effectively, and stored in aliquots at -80°C. Tissue Culture Infectious Dose at 50% CPE (TCID 50) Viral Titration Assav
A protocol developed by Quantum Biotechnologies, Inc. (Montreal, Qc.
Canada) was followed to measure recombinant virus infectivity. Briefly, two 96-well
4 tissue culture plates were seeded with 1X10 293A cells per well m MEM containing
2% fetal bovine serum for each recombinant virus to be assayed. After 24 hours 10-
-2 -14
fold dilutions of each virus from 1X10 to 1&*10 were made m MEM containing
2% fetal bovine serum. 100l of each dilution was placed in each of 20 wells. After 5
days at 37°C, wells were read either positive or negative for Cytopathic Effect (CPE)
and a value for "Plaque Forming Units/ml" (PFU) is calculated.
TCIID50 formulation used was as per Quantum Biotechnologies, Inc.,
above. The titer (T) is determined from a plate where virus used is diluted from 10-2 to
10' , and read 8 days after the infection. At each diludon a ratio (R) of posidve wells for CPE per the total number of wells is determined.

To Calculate titer of the undiluted virus sample: the factor, 'T" = l+d(S-0.5); where "S" is the sum of the ratios (R); and "d" is Log 10 of the dilution series, for example, "d" is equal to 1 for a ten-fold dilution series. The titer of the undiluted
sample is T = l0(1+F) = TCIDso/ml. To convert TCID5o/ml to pfu/ml, 0.7 is subtracted from the exponent in the calculation for titer (T). The rL-TEF adenovirus had
atiterof2.8X1011 pfu/ml.
Example 11 In vivo Affects of IL-TIF Polypeptide Mice (female, C57B1, 8 weeks old; Charles River Labs, Kingston, NY) \'ere divided into three groups. On day 0, parental or EL-TIF adenovirus (Example 10) vas administered to the first (n=8) and second (n=8) groups, respectively, via the tail
ein, with each mouse receiving a dose of ~1 x 10 particles in -0.1 ml volume. The bird group (n=8) received no treatment. On days 12, mice were weighed and blood was irawn from the mice. Samples were analyzed for complete blood count (CBC) and erum chemistry. Statistically significant elevations in neutrophil and platelet counts vere detected in the blood samples from the IL-TIF adenovirus administered group elative to the parental adenovirus treated group. Also, at day 12 lymphocyte counts vere significantly reduced from the IL-TIF adenovirus administered group relative to he parental adenovirus treated group, and they rebounded to normal levels by day 21. n addition, the IL-TIF adenovirus treated mice decreased in body weight, while larental adenovirus treated mice gained weight. The elevated platelet and neutrophil ount, and the loss of body weight are still significant as compared to the control group, 'he liver chemistry test indicated the increased level of globulin and decreased level of Ibumin concentration, which is consistant with the observation of inflammatory sponse induced by TNF-a.
The results suggested that IL-TIF affects hematopoiesis, i.e., blood cell jrmation in vivo. As such, IL-TIF could have biological activities affecting different lood precursors, progenitors or stem cells, and a resulting increase or decrease of srtain differentiated blood cells in a specific lineage. For instance, IL-TIF appeared to

reduce lymphocytes, which is likely due to inhibition of the committed progenitor cells that give rise to lymphoid cells. This finding agrees with the inhibitory effects of IL-TIF on the proliferation and/or growth of myeloid stem cells (Example 23), supporting the notion that IL-TIF could play a role in anemia, infection, inflammation, and/or immune diseases by influencing blood cells involved in these process. Antagonists against IL-TIF, such as anti-IL-TEF antibodies, biding partners, or a soluble receptor antagonist could be used as therapeutic reagents in these diseases. It is also possible that IL-TIF directly affects the release and survival of platelets in peripheral blood or other vascularized tissues such as liver. That is, besides working through a hematopoisis loop (differentiation, proliferation of stem cells), IL-TEF might directly affect the release, stablization or depletion of platelets and neutrophils in peripheral blood or some target tissue and organs. IL-TIF also affected the number of granulocytes in the peripheral blood. Extramedullary sites of hematopoiesis (e.g. liver) are also targets for IL-TIF action.
Moreover, these experiments using EL-TEF adenovirus in mice suggested that IL-TIF over-expression increases the level of neutrophils and platelets in vivo. Although increasing neutrophils and platelets is desirable in certain therapeutic applications discussed herein, chronic elevation or increased reactivity of these cells could play a role in cardiovascular disease. Antagonists against IL-TIF, such as antibodies or its soluble receptor, could be used as therapeutic reagents in these diseases. Although this may appear contradictory to the finding seen in K562 cells (Example 12), it is not uncommon to observe diverse activities of a particular protein in vitro versus in vivo. It is conceivable that there are other factors (such as cytokines and modifier genes) involved in the responses to IL-TIF in the whole animal system. Nevertheless, these data strongly support the involvement of EL-TIF in hematopoiesis. Thus, IL-TIF and its receptors are suitable reagents/targets for the diagnosis and treatment in variety of disorders, such as inflammation, immune disorders, infection, anemia, hematopoietic and other cancers, and the like.
Example 12 The IL-TIF Polypeptide Inhibits the Growth of K-562 Cells in A Cytotoxicity Assay

The K-562 cell line (CRL-243, ATCC) has attained widespread use as a highly sensitive in vitro target for cytotoxicity assays. K-562 blasts are multipotential, hematopoietic malignant cells that spontaneously differentiate into recognizable progenitors of the erythrocytic, granulocytic and monocytic series (Lozzio, BB et al., Proc. Soc. Exp.'Biol. Med. 166: 546-550, 1981).
K562 cells were plated at 5,000 cells/well in 96-well tissue culture clusters (Costar) in DMEM phenol-free growth medium (Life Technologies) supplemented with pyruvate and 10% serum (HyClone). Next day, human recombinant EL-TEF (Example 19), BSA control or retinoic acid (known to be cytotoxic to K562 cells) were added. Seventy-two hours later, the vital stain MTT (Sigma, St Louis, MO), a widely used indicator of mitochondrial activity and cell growth, was added to the cells at a final concentration of 0.5 mg/ml. MTT is converted to a purple formazan derivative by mitochondrial dehydrogenases. Four hours later, converted MTT was solubilized by adding an equal volume of acidic isopropanol (0.04N HCl in absolute isopropanol) to the wells. Absorbance was measured at 570nm, with background subtraction at 650nm. In this experimental setting, absorbance reflects cell viability. Results shown in Table 7 are expressed as % cytotoxicity.

The results indicated that IL-TIF may affect myeloid stem cells. Myeloid stem cells are daughter cells of the universal blood stem cells. They are progenitors of erythrocytes, monocytes (or migrated macrophages), neutrophil, basophil, and eosinophils. Since K-562 blasts differentiate into progenitors of the erythrocytic, granulocytic and monocytic series, they are considered a model for

myeloid stem cells. Thus, the results demonstrated that EL-TIF has an inhibitory activity on the proliferation and/or growth of a promyelocytic tumor cell line. Thus EL-TIF could play a role in anemia, infection, inflammation, and/or immune diseases. In addition, an antagonist against IL-TIF, such as antibodies or a soluble receptor antagonist, could be used to block IL-TIF's activity on myeloid stem cells, or as therapeutic reagents in diseases such as anemia, infection, inflammation, and/or immune diseases. Moreover, as IL-TIF exhibits cytotoxicity on tumor cells, it can be used directly or in combination with other cytokines as an anti-tumor agent.
Example 13 Human zcvtorl6 Tissue Distribution in Tissue Panels Using Northern Blot and PCR A. Human zcytorl6 Tissue Distribution using Northern Blot and Dot Blot
Commonly owned, human zcytorl6 (SEQ ID NO:32, and SEQ ID NO:33) (WIPO Publication No. WO 01/40467) is a naturally-expressed soluble receptor antagonist of IL-TIF. Northern blot analysis was performed using Human Multiple Tissue Northern Blots I, H, EH (Clontech) and an in house generated IJ-937 : northern blot. U-937 is a human promonocytic blast cell line. The cDNA probe was generated using oligos ZC25,963 (SEQ ED NO:24) and ZC28,354 (SEQ ED NO:25). The PCR conditions were as follows: 94° for 1 minute; 30 cycles of 94° , 15 seconds; 60°, 30 seconds; 72°, 30 seconds and a final extension for 5 minutes at 72°. The 364 bp product was gel purified by gel electrophoresis on a 1% TEE gel and the band was excised with a razor blade. The cDNA was extracted from the agarose using the QIAquick Gel Extraction Kit (Qiagen). 94 ng of this fragment was radioactively labeled with ^^P-dCTP using Rediprime EI (Amersham), a random prime labeling system, according to the manufacturer's specifications. Unincorporated radioactivity was removed using a Nuc-Trap column (Stratagene) according to manufacturer's instructions. Blots were prehybridized at 65° for 3 hours in ExpressHyb (Clontech) solution. Blots were hybridized overnight at 65° in Expresshyb solution containing 1.0 X 106 cpm/ml of labeled probe, 0.1 mg/ml of salmon sperm DNA and 0.5 f-ig/ml of human cot-1 DNA. Blots were washed in 2 x SSC, 0.1% SDS at room temperature with several solution changes then washed in 0.1 x SSC. 0.1% SDS at 55° for 30

minutes twice. Transcripts of approximately 1.6 kb and 3.0 kb size were detected in spleen and placenta, but not other tissues examined. The same sized transcripts plus an additional approximate 1.2 kb transcript was detected in U-937 cell line.
B. Tissue Distribution in tissue cDNA panels using PCR
A panel of cDNAs from human tissues was screened for zcytorl6 expression using PCR. The panel was made in-house and contained 94 marathon cDNA and cDNA samples from various normal and cancerous human tissues and cell lines are shown in Table 8, below. The cDNAs came from in-house libraries or marathon cDNAs from in-house RNA preps, Clontech RNA, or Invitrogen RNA. The marathon cDNAs were made using the marathon-Ready^^ kit (Clontech, Palo Alto, CA) and QC tested with clathrin primers ZC21195 (SEQ ID NO:26) and ZC21196 (SEQ ID NO:27) and then diluted based on the intensity of the clathrin band. To assure quality of the panel samples, three tests for quality control (QC) were run: (1) To assess the RNA quality used for the libraries, the in-house cDNAs were tested for average insert size by PCR with vector oligos that were specific for the vector sequences for an individual :DNA library; (2) Standardization of the concentration of the cDNA in panel samples was achieved using standard PCR methods to amplify full length alpha tubulin or 33PDH cDNA using a 5' vector oligo ZC14,063 (SEQ ID NO:28) and 3' alpha tubulin specific oligo primer ZC17,574 (SEQ ID NO:29) or 3' G3PDH specific oligo primer ZC17,600 (SEQ ID NO:30); and (3) a sample was sent to sequencing to check for possible ribosomal or mitochondrial DNA contamination. The panel was set up in a ?6-well format that included a human genomic DNA (Clontech, Palo Alto, CA) positive control sample. Each well contained approximately 0.2-100 pg/|xl of cDNA. The PCR reactions were set up using oligos ZC25,963 (SEQ ID NO:24) and ZC27,659 SEQ ID NO:25), Advantage 2 DNA Polymerase Mix (Clontech) and Rediload dye Research Genetics, Inc., Huntsville, AL). The amplification was carried out as follow: cycle at 94°C for 2 minutes, 30 cycles of 94°C for 20 seconds, 58°C for 30 seconds md 72°C fori minute, followed by 1 cycle at 72°C for 5 minutes. About 10 μl of the CR reaction product was subjected to standard Agarose gel electrophoresis using a 2% igarose gel. The correct predicted DNA fragment size was not observed in any tissue or

cell line. Subsequent experiments showing expression of zcytorl6 indicated that the negative results from this panel were likely due to the primers used.





fetal brain, esophageal tumor, uterine tumor, stomach tumor, ovarian tumor, rectal tumor, lung tumor and RPMI-1788 (a B-lymphocyte cell line). Zcytorl6 expression was not observed in the other tissues and cell lines tested in this panel. The expression pattern of zcytorl6 shows expression in certain tissue-specific tumors especially, e.g., ovarian cancer, stomach cancer, uterine cancer, rectal cancer, lung cancer and esophageal cancer, where zcytorl6 is not expressed in normal tissue, but is expressed in the tumor tissue. One of skill in the art would recognize that the natural ligand, IL-TIF, and receptor binding fragments of IL-TIF can be used as a diagnostic to detect cancer, or cancer tissue in a biopsy, tissue, or histologic sample, particularly e.g., ovarian cancer, stomach cancer, uterine cancer, rectal cancer, lung cancer and esophageal cancer tissue. Such diagnostic uses for the molecules are known in the art and described herein.
In addition, because the expression pattern of zcytorl6, one of IL-TIF's receptors, shows expression in certain specific tissues as well as tissue-specific tumors, binding partners including the natural ligand, IL-TIF, can also be used as a diagnostic to detect specific tissues (normal or abnormal), cancer, or cancer tissue in a biopsy, tissue, or histologic sample, where IL-TIF receptors are expressed, and particularly e.g., ovarian cancer, stomach cancer, uterine cancer, rectal cancer, lung cancer and esophageal cancer tissue. IL-TIF can also be used to target other tissues wherein its receptors, e.g., zcytorl6 and zcytorll (Commonly owned US Patent No. 5,965,704) are expressed. Moreover, such binding partners could be conjugated to chemotherapeutic agents, toxic moieties and the like to target therapy to the site of a tumor or diseased tissue. Such diagnostic and targeted therapy uses are known in the art and described herein.
A commercial 1st strand cDNA panel (Human Blood Fractions MTC Panel, Clontech, Palo Alto, CA) was also assayed as above. The panel contained the following samples: mononuclear cells, activated mononuclear cells, resting CD4-f cells, activated CD4-I- cells, resting CD8+ cells, activated CD8-t- cells, resring CDi4+ cells, resting CD19-I- cells and activated CD19-i- cells. Activated CD4+ cells and activated CD19+ cells showed zcytorI6 expression, whereas the other cells tested, including resting CD4-f- cells and resting CD19+ cells, did not.




C. Tissue Distribution in Human Tissue and Cell Line RNA Panels Using RT-PCR
A panel of RNAs from human cell lines was screened for zcytorl6 expression using RT-PCR. The panels were made in house and contained 84 RNAs from various normal and cancerous human tissues and cell lines as shown in Tables 10-13 below. The RNAs were made from in house or purchased tissues and cell lines using the RNAeasy Midi or Mini Kit (Qiagen, Valencia, CA). The panel was set up in a 96-well format with 100 ngs of RNA per sample. The RT-PCR reactions were set up using oligos ZC25,963 (SEQ ID NO:24) and ZC25,964 (SEQ ID NO:31), Rediload dye and SUPERSCRIPT One Step RT-PCR System (Life Technologies, Gaithersburg, MD). The amplification was carried out as follows: one cycle at 55° for 30 minutes followed by 40 cycles of 94°, 15 seconds; 59°, 30 seconds; 72°, 30 seconds; then ended with a final extension at 72° for 5 minutes. 8 to 10 fa,ls of the PCR reaction product was subjected to standard Agarose gel electrophoresis using a 4% agarose gel. The correct predicted cDNA fragment size of 184 bps was observed in cell lines U-937, HL-60, ARPE-19, HaCat#l, HaCat#2, HaCat#3, and HaCat#4; bladder, cancerous breast, normal breast adjacent to a cancer, bronchus, colon, ulcerative colitis colon, duodenum, endometrium, esophagus, gastro-esophageal, heart left ventricle, heart ventricle, ileum, kidney, lung, lymph node, lymphoma, mammary adenoma, mammary gland, cancerous ovary, pancreas, parotid and skin, spleen lymphoma and small bowel. Zcytorl6 expression was not observed in the other tissues and cell lines tested in this panel.
Zcytorl6 is detectably expressed by PCR in normal tissues: such as, the digestive system, e.g., esophagus, gastro-esophageal, pancreas, duodenum, ileum, colon, small bowel; the female reproductive system, e.g., mammary gland, endometrium, breast (adjacent to cancerous tissues); and others systems, e.g., lymph nodes, skin, parotid, bladder, bronchus, heart ventricles, and kidney. Moreover, Zcytorl6 is detectably expressed by PCR in several human tumors: such as tumors associated with female reproductive tissues e.g., mammary adenoma, ovary cancer, uterine cancer, other breast cancers; and other tissues such as lymphoma, stomach tumor, and lung tumor. The expression of zcytorl6 is found in nornial tissues of female

reproductive organs, and in some tumors associated with these organs. As such, a ligand for zcytorl6, such as IL-TIF, or a receptor-binding fragment thereof, can serve as a marker for these tumors wherein the zcytorl6 may be over-expressed. Several cancers positive for zcytorl6 are associated with ectodermal/epithcHal origin (mammary adenoma, and other breast cancers). Hence, ligand for zcytorl6, such as DL-TEF, or a receptor-binding fragment thereof, can serve as a marker for epithelial tissue, such as epithelial tissues in the digestive system and female reproductive organs (e.g., endometrial tissue, columnar epithelium), as well as cancers involving epithelial tissues. Moreover, in a prefen^ed embodiment, IL-TIF, or a receptor-binding fragment thereof, can ser\e as a marker for certain tissue-specific tumors especially, e.g., ovarian cancer, stomach cancer, uterine cancer, rectal cancer, lung cancer and esophageal cancer, where it's receptor zcytorl6 is not expressed in normal tissue, but is expressed in the tumor tissue. Use of polynucleoddes, polypeptides, and antibodies of the present invention for diagnostic purposes are known in the art, and disclosed herein.







Example 14 Human zcvtorl 1 Tissue Distribution in Tissue Panels Using Northern Blot and PCR A. Human zcvtorll Tissue Distribution in tissue panels using PCR
A panel of cDNAs from human tissues was screened for zcytorl 1 expression using PCR. Commonly owned, human zcytorl 1 (SEQ E) NO: 18, and SEQ ID NO: 19) (US Patent No. 5,965,704) is a receptor for IL-TIF. The panel was made in-house and contained 94 marathon cDNA and cDNA samples from various normal and cancerous human tissues and cell lines are shown in Table 9 above. Aside from the PCR reaction, the method used was as shown in Example 13. The PCR reactions were set up using oligos ZC14,666 (SEQ ED NO:22) and ZC14,742 (SEQ E) NO:23), Advantage 2 cDNA polymerase mix (Clontech, Palo Alto, CA), and Rediload dye (Research Genetics, Inc., Huntsville, AL). The amplification was carried out as follows: 1 cycle at 94°C for 2 minutes, 40 cycles of 94°C for 15 seconds, 51°C for 30 seconds and 72°C for 30 seconds, followed by 1 cycle at 72°C for 7 minutes. The correct predicted DNA fragment size was observed in bladder, brain, cervix, colon, fetal brain, fetal heart, fetal kidney, fetal liver, fetal lung, fetal skin, heart, Iddney, liver, lung, melanoma, ovary, pancreas, placenta, prostate, rectum, salivary gland, small intestine, testis, thymus, trachea, spinal cord, thyroid, lung tumor, ovarian tumor, rectal tumor, and stomach tumor. Zcytorl 1 expression was not observed in the other tissues and cell lines tested in this panel.

A commercial 1st strand cDNA panel (Human Blood Fractions MTC Panel, Clontech. Palo Alto, CA) was also assayed as above. The panel contained the following samples: mononuclear cells, activated mononuclear cells, resting CD4+ cells, activated CD4+ cells, resting CD8+ cells, activated CDS+ cells, resting CD14+ cells, resting CD19+ cells and activated CD19+ cells. All samples except activated CD8+ and Activated CD19+shovv/ed expression of zcytorll.
B. Tissue Distribution of Zcvtorl 1 in Human Cell Line and Tissue Panels Using RT-PCR
A panel of RNAs from human cell lines was screened for zcytorll expression using RT-PCR. The panels were made in house and contained 84 RNAs from various normal and cancerous human tissues and cell lines as shown in Tables 10-13 above. The RNAs were made from in house or purchased tissues and cell lines using the RNAeasy Midi or Mini Kit (Qiagen, Valencia, CA). The panel was set up in a 96-well formal with 100 ngs of RNA per sample. The RT-PCR reactions were set up usmg oligos ZC 14,666 (SEQ ID NO:22) and ZC 14,742 (SEQ ID NO:23), Rediload dye and SUPERSCRIPT One Step RT-PCR System(Life Technologies, Gaithersburg, MD). The amplification was carried out as follows: one cycle at 50° for 30 minutes followed by 45 cycles of 94°, 15 seconds; 52°, 30 seconds; 72°, 30 seconds; then ended with a final extension at 72° for 7 minutes. 8 to 10 uls of the PCR reaction product was subjected to standard Agarose gel electrophoresis using a 4% agarose gel. The correct" predicted cDNA fragment size was observed in adrenal gland, bladder, breast, bronchus, normal colon, colon cancer, duodenum, endometrium, esophagus, gastic cancer, gastro-esophageal cancer, heart ventricle, ileum, normal kidney, kidney cancer, liver, lung, lymph node, pancreas, parotid, skin, small bowel, stomach, thyroid, and uterus. Cell lines showing expression of zcytorll were A-431, differentiated CaC02, DLD-1, HBL-100, HCT-15, HepG2, HepG2+IL6, HuH7, and NHEK #1-4. Zcytorll expression was not observed in the other tissues and cell lines tested in this panel.
In addition, because the expression pattern of zcytorll, one of IL-TIF's receptors, shows expression in certain specific tissues, binding partners including the natural ligand, IL-TEF, can also be used as a diagnostic to detect specific tissues (normal

or abnormal), cancer, or cancer tissue in a biopsy, tissue, or histologic sample, particularly in tissues where IL-TIF receptors are expressed. IL-TIF can also be used to target other tissues wherein its receptors, e.g., zcytorl6 and zcytorll are expressed. Moreover, such binding partner's could be conjugated to chemotherapeutic agents, toxic moieties and the like to target therapy to the site of a tumor or diseased tissue. Such diagnostic and targeted therapy uses are known in the art and described herein.
The expression patterns of zcytorll (above) and zcytorlG (Example 13, and Example 15) indicated target tissues and cell types for the action of EL-TIF, and hence IL-TIF antagonists. The zcytorll expression generally overlapped with zcytorl6 expression in three physiologic systems: digesdve system, female reproductive system, and immune system. Moreover, the expression pattern of the receptor (zcytorll) indicated that a IL-TIF antagonist such as zcytorl6 would have therapeutic application for human disease in at least two areas: inflammation (e.g., IBD, Chron's disease, pancreatitis) and cancer (e.g., ovary, colon). That is, the polynucleotides, polypeptides and antibodies of the present invention can be used to antagonize the inflammatory, and other cytoldne-induced effects of IL-TIF interaction with the cells expressing the zcytorll receptor.
Moreover, the expression of zcytorll appeared to be downregulated or absent in an ulcerative colitis tissue, HepG2 liver cell line induced by IL-6, activated CD8+ T-cells and CD194- B-cells. However, zcytorl6 appeared to be upregulated in activated CD19-t- B-cells (Example 12), while zcytorll is downregulated in activated CD19-I- cells, as compared to the resting CD19+ cells (above). The expression of zcytorll and zcytorl6 has a reciprocal correlation in this case. These RT-PCR experiments demonstrate that CD 19+ peripheral blood cells, B lymphocytes, express receptors for IL-TIF, namely zcytorll and zcytorl6. Furthermore B cells display regulated expression of zcytorll and zcytorl6. B-lymphocytes activated with mitogens decrease expression of zcytorll and increase expression of zcytorl6. This represents feedback inhibition that would serve to dampen the acdvity of IL-TEF on B cells and other cells as well. Soluble zcytorl6 would act as an antagonist to neutralize the effects of IL-TIF on B cells. This would be beneficial in diseases where B cells are the key players: Autoimmune diseases including systemic lupus erythmatosus (SLE),

myasthenia gravis, immune complex disease, and B-cell cancers that are exacerbated by IL-TEF. Also autoimmune diseases where B cells contiibute to the disease pathology would be targets for zcytorl6 therapy: Multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and rheumatoid arthritis are examples. Zcytorl6 therapy would be beneficial to dampen or inhibit B cells producing IgE in atopic diseases including asthma, allergy and atopic dermatitis where the producdon of IgE contributes to the pathogenesis of disease.
B cell malignancies may exhibit a loss of the "feedback inhibition" described above. Administration of zcytorl6 would restore control of IL-TIF signaling and inhibit B cell tumor growth. The administration of zcytorl6 following surgical resection or chemotherapy may be useful to treat minimal residual disease in patients with B cell malignancies. The loss of regulation may lead to sustained or increased expression of zcytorll. Thus creating a target for therapeutic monoclonal antibodies targedng zcytorll.
Example 15 Identification of cells expressing zcytorl6 using in situ hybridization
Specific human tissues were isolated and screened for zcytorl6 expression by in situ hybridizadon. Various human tissues prepared, sectioned and subjected to in situ hybridization included cartilage, colon, appendix, intestine, fetal liver, lung, lymph node, lymphoma, ovary, pancreas, placenta, prostate, sidn, spleen, and thymus. The tissues were fixed in 10% buffered formalin and blocked in paraffin using standard techniques. Tissues were sectioned at 4 to 8 microns. Tissues were prepared using a standard protocol ("Development of non-isotopic in situ hybridization" at The Laboratory of Experimental Pathology (LEP), NIEHS, Research Triangle Park, NC; web address http://dir.niehs.nih.gov/dirlep/ish.html). Briefly, tissue secdons were deparaffinized with HistoClear (National Diagnosdcs, Adanta, GA) and then dehydrated with ethanol. Next they were digested with Proteinase K (50 μg/ml) (Boehringer Diagnostics, Indianapolis, IN) at 37°C for 2 to 7 minutes. This step was followed by acetylation and re-hydradon of the tissues.

One in situ probe was designed against the human zcytorl6 sequence (nucleotide 1-693 of SEQ ID NO:32), and isolated from a plasmid containing SEQ ID NO:32 using standard methods. T3 RNA polymerase was used to generate an antisense probe. The probe was labeled with digoxigenin (Boehringer) using an In Vitro transcription S\stem (Promega, Madison, WI) as per manufacturer's instruction.
In situ hybridization was performed with a digoxigenin-labeled zcytorl6 probe (above). The probe was added to the slides at a concentration of 1 to 5 pmol/ml for 12 to 16 hours at 62.5°C. Slides were subsequently washed in 2XSSC and O.IXSSC at 55°C. The signals were amplified using tyramide signal amplification (TSA) (TSA, in situ indirect kit; NEN) and visualized with Vector Red substrate lot (Vector Lab) as per manufacturer's instructions. The slides were then counter-stained with hematoxylin (Vector Laboratories, Burlingame, CA).
Signals were observed in several tissues tested: The lymph node, plasma cells and other mononuclear cells in peripheral tissues were strongly positive. Most cells in the lymphatic nodule were negative. In lymphoma samples, positive signals were seen in the mitotic and multinuclear cells. In spleen, positive signals were seen in scattered mononuclear cells at the periphery of follicles were positive. In thymus, positive signals were seen in scattered mononuclear cells in both cortex and medulla were positive. In fetal liver, a strong signal was observed in a mixed population of mononuclear cells in sinusoid spaces. A subset of hepatocytes might also have been positive. In the inflamed appendix, mononuclear cells in peyer's patch and infiltration sites were positive. In intestine, some plasma cells and ganglia nerve cells were positive. In normal lung, zcytorl6 was expressed in alveolar epithelium and mononuclear cells in interstitial tissue and circulation. In the lung carcinoma tissue, a strong signal was observed in mostly plasma cells and some other mononuclear cells in peripheral of lymphatic aggregates. In ovary carcinoma, epithelium cells were strongly positive. Some interstitial cells, most likely the mononuclear cells, were also posidve. There was no signal observed in the normal ovary. In both normal and pancreatitis pancreas samples, acinar cells and some mononuclear cells in the mesentery were positive. In the early term (8 weeks) placenta, signal was observed in trophoblasts. In skin, some mononuclear cells in the inflamed infiltrates in the superficial dermis were

positive. Keratinocytes were also weakly positive. In prostate carcinoma, scatted mononuclear cells in interstitial tissues were positive. In articular cartilage, chondrocytes were positive. Other tissues tested including normal ovary and a colon adenocarcinoma were negative.
In summary, the in situ data was consistent with e.xpression data described above for the zcytorl6. Zcytovi6 expression was observed predominately in mononuclear cells, and a subset of epithelium was also positive. These results confirmed the presence of zcytorl6 expression in immune cells and point toward a role in inflammation, autoimmune disease, or other immune function, for example, in binding pro-inflammatory cytokines, including but not limited to IL-TIF. Moreover, detection of zcytorl6 expression can be used for example as an marker for mononuclear cells in histologic samples.
Zcytorl6 is expressed in mononuclear cells, including normal tissues (lymph nodes, spleen, thymus, pancreas and fetal liver, lung), and abnormal tissues (inflamed appendix, lung carcinoma, ovary carcinoma, pancreatitis, inflamed skin, and prostate carcinoma). It is notable that plasma cells in the lymph node, intestine, and lung carcinoma are posidve for zcytorl6. Plasma cells are immunologically activated lymphocytes responsible for antibody synthesis. In addition, IL-TIF, is expressed in activated T cells. In addition, the expression of zcytorl6 is detected only in activated (but not in resting) CD4-1- and CD19-1- cells (Example 13). Thus, zcytorl6 can be used as a marker for or as a target in isolating certain lymphocytes, such as mononuclear leucocytes and limited type of activated leucocytes, such as activated CD4+ and CD194-.
Furthermore, the presence of zcytorl6 expression in activated immune cells such as activated CD4-f- and CD19-h cells showed that zcytorl6 may be involved in the body's immune defensive reactions against foreign invaders: such as microorganisms and cell debris, and could play a role in immune responses during inflammation and cancer foiTnation.
Moreover, as discussed herein, epithelium form several tissues was positive for zcytorl6 expression, such as hepatocytes (endoderm-derived epithelia), lung alveolar epithelium (endoderm-derived epithelia), and ovary carcinoma epithelium

'mesoderm-derived epithelium). The epithelium expression of zcytorl6 could be :iltered in inflammatory responses and/or cancerous states in liver and lung. Thus, igand for zcytorl6, such as IL-TIF, or a receptor-binding fragment thereof, could be .ised as marker to monitor changes in these tissues as a result of inflammation or :ancer. Moreover, analysis of zcytorl6 in situ expression showed that normal ovary epithelium is negative for zcytorl6 expression, v\hile it is strongly positive in ovary :arcinoma epithelium providing further evidence that IL-TIF polypeptides, or a "eceptor-binding fragment thereof, can be used as a diagnostic marker and/or herapeutic target for the diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cancers, and ovary ;arcinoma, as described herein.
Zcytorl6 was also detected in other tissues, such as acinar cells in )ancreas (normal and pancreatitis tissues), trophoblasts in placenta (ectoderm-derived), ■hondrocytes in cartilage (mesoderm-derived), and ganglia cells in intestine (ectoderm-lerived). As such, zcytorl6 may be involved in differentiation and/or normal funcdons )f corresponding cells in these organs. As such, potential utilities of zcytorl6 include naintenance of normal metabolism and pregnancy, bone formation/homeostasis, and thysiological funcdon of intestine, and the like.
Example 16 huIL-TIF Anti-peptide Andbodies Polyclonal anti-peptide antibodies were prepared by immunizing two emale New Zealand white rabbits with the peptide, huIL-TIF-1 (SEQ ID NO:34) or uIL-TIF-2 (SEQ ID NO:35) or huIL-TIF-3 (SEQ ID NO:36). The peptides were ynthesized using an Applied Biosystems Model 431A peptide synthesizer (Applied Siosystems, Inc., Foster City, CA) according to manufacturer's instructions. The epddes huIL-TIF-1, huIL-TIF-2, and huIL-TIF-3 were then conjugated to the carrier rotein maleimide-acdvated keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) through cysteine ^sidues (Pierce, Rockford, EL). The rabbits were each given an initial intraperitoneal P) injection of 200 |.ig of conjugated pepdde in Complete Freund's Adjuvant (Pierce, .ockford, IL) followed by booster IP injecdons of 100 μg conjugated peptide in icomplete Freund's Adjuvant every three weeks. Seven to ten days after the

administralion of the third booster injection, the animals were bled and the serum was collected. The rabbits were then boosted and bled every three weeks.
The huIL-TIF peptide-specific Rabbit seras were characterized by an ELISA titer check using 1 μglm\ of the peptide used to make the antibody as an antibody target.' The 2 rabbit seras to the huIL-TIF-1 peptide (SEQ ID NO:34) have titer to their specific peptide at a dilution of 1:5E6 (1:5,000,000).
The huEL-TIF-l peptide-specific antibodies were affinity purified from the rabbit serum using an EPOXY-SEPHAROSE 6B peptide column (Pharmacia LKB) that was prepared using 10 mg of the respective peptides per gram EPOXY-SEPHAROSE 6B, followed by dialysis in PBS overnight. Peptide-specific huEL-TIF antibodies were characterized by an ELISA titer check using 1 μg/ml of the appropriate peptide as an antibody target. The huIL-TIF-1 peptide-specific antibodies have a lower limit of detection (LLD) of 500pg/ml by ELISA on its appropriate antibody target. The huIL-TIF-1 peptide-specific antibodies recognized full-length recombinant protein (BV produced) by reducing Western Blot analysis.
Example 17 Construction of Human IL-TIF Transgenic Plasmids
Approximately 10 |ig Zytrack vector containing the sequence confirmed human IL-TIF coding region was digested with Fsel and Ascl. The vector was then ethanol precipitated and the pellet was resuspended in TE. The released 540 bp human IL-TIF fragment was isolated by running the digested vector on a 1.2% SeaPlaque gel and excising the fragment. DNA was purified using the QiaQuick (Qiagen) gel extraction kit.
The human EL-TIF fragment was then ligated into pTG12-8, our standard transgenic vector, which was previously digested with Fsel and Ascl. The pTG12-8 plasmid, designed for expression of a gene of interest in transgenic mice, contains an expression cassette flanked by 10 kb of MT-1 5' DNA and 7 kb of MT-1 3' DNA. The expression cassette comprises the MT-1 promoter, the rat insulin 11 intron, a polylinker for the insertion of the desired clone, and the human growth hormone poly A sequence.

About one microliter of the ligation reaction was electroporated into DHIOB ElectroMax® competent cells (GIBCO BRL, Gaithersburg. MD • according to manufacturer's direction, plated onto LB plates containing 100 μg-'ml ampicillin, and incubated overnight at 37°C. Colonies were picked and grown in LB media containing 100 μg/ml ampicillin. _ Miniprep DNA was prepared from the picked clones and screened for the human IL-TIF insert by restriction digestion with Fsel/AscL and subsequent agarose gel electrophoresis. Maxipreps of the correct pTG12-S human IL-TIF construct were performed.
A Sail fragment containing 5' and 3' flanking sequences, the MX promoter, the rat insulin II intron, human IL-TIF cDNA and the human growth hormone poly A sequence was prepared and used for microinjection into fertilized murine oocytes.
A second transgenic construct was made by subcloning as described above, the FseLAscI fragment containing the human IL-TIF cDNA. into a lymphoid-specific transgenic vector pKFOSl. The pKF051 transgenic vector is derived from pl026X (Intani, B.M., et al., EMBO J. i6:70l9-3L 1997) and contains the T cell-specific Ick proximal promoter, the B/T cell-specific immunoglobulin Eji. heavy chain enhancer, a polylinker for the insertion of the desired clone, and a mutated hOH gene that encodes an inactive growth hormone protein (providing 3' introns and a polyadenylation signal).
Maxi-prep DNA was digested with NotI, and this fragment, containing the Ick proximal promoter, immunoglobulin Eμ enhancer, human IL-TIF cDNA, and the mutated hGH gene was prepared to be used for microinjection into fertilized murine oocytes. Construction of Mouse IL-TIF Transgenic Plasmids
Transgenic constructs were also made for mouse IL-TIF. Oligonucleotides were designed to generate a PCR fragment containing a consensus Kozak sequence and the exact mouse EL-TIF coding region. These oligonucleotides were designed with an Fsel site at the 5' end and an AscI site at the 3' end to facilitate cloning into pKFO5I, a lymphoid-specific transgenic vector containing the EuLCK promoter to drive expression of EL-TIF.

PCR reactions were canied out with 200 ng mouse EL-TIF template (SEQ ID N0:3~) and oligonucleotides ZC37J25 (SEQ ID NO:39) and ZC37,126 (SEQ ID NO:40). A PCR reaction was performed using AdvantageTM cDNA polymerase (Clontech) under the following conditions: 95°C for 5 minutes; 15 c\'cles of 95°C for 60 seconds, 60°C for 60 seconds, and 72°C for 90 seconds; and 72"C. for 7 minutes. PCR products w-ere separated by agarose gel electrophoresis and purified using a QiaQuick (Qiagen) gel extraction kit. The isolated, 540 bp, DNA fragment was digested with Fsel and AscI (Boerhinger-Mannheim), ethanol precipitated and cloned into pKF051 as described abo\e. A correct clone of pKF051 mouse IL-TIF was verified by sequencing, and a maxiprep of this clone was performed and prepared as above for injection.
Example 18 Baculovirus Expression of EL-TIF-CEE
An expression vector, IL-TIF-CEE/pZBV32L, was prepared to express IL-TIF-CEE polypeptides in insect cells. IL-TIF-CEE/pZBV32L was designed to express a IL-TIF polypeptide with a C-terminal GLU-GLU tag (SEQ ID NO: 14). This construct can be used to determine the N-terminal amino acid sequence of EL-TIF after the signal peptide has been cleaved off. A. Construction of IL-TIF-CEE/pZBV32L
A 561 bpIL)_TIF fragment containing BamHI and Xbal restriction sites on the 5' and 3' ends, respectively, was generated by PCR amplification from a plasmid containing IL-TIF cDNA using primers ZC28,348 (SEQ ID N0:41) and ZC28,345 (SEQ ID NO:42). The PCR reaction conditions were as follows: 1 cycle at 94°C for 5 minutes; 35 cycles of 94°C for 90 seconds, 60°C for 120 seconds, and 72°C for 180 seconds; 1 cycle at 72°C for 10 min; followed by 4°C soak. The fragment was visualized by gel electrophoresis (1% agarose). The band was excised and then extracted using a QIAquick™ Gel Extraction Kit (Qiagen, Cat. No,.28704). The cDNA vvas digested using BamFII and Xbal and then was ligated into the vector pZBV32L. The pZBV32L vector is a modification of the pFastBaclTM (Life Technologies) expression vector, where the polyhedron promoter has been removed and replaced with ;he late activating Basic Protein Promoter, and the coding sequence for the Glu-Glu tag

as well as a stop signal was inserted at the 3' end of the multiple cloning region. Approximately 68 nanograms of the restriction digested IL-TLF insert and about 100 ng of the con-esponding pZBV32L vector were ligated overnight at 16°C. The ligation mix was diluted 10 fold in water and 1 fmol of the diluted ligation mix was transformed into ElectoMAX™ DH12s™ cells (Life Technologies, Cat. No. 18312-017) by electroporation at 400 Ohms, 2V and 25 μF in a 2mm gap electroporation cuvette (BTX, Model No. 620). The transformed cells were diluted in 450 |.il of SOC media (2% Bacto Tr>ptone, 0.5% Bacto Yeast Extract, 10 ml IM NaCl, 1.5 mM KCl, 10 mM MgCl:, 10 mM MgS04 and 20 mM glucose) and 100 μl of the dilution were plated onto LB plates containing 100 μg/ml ampicillin. Clones were analyzed by PCR and two positive clones were selected to be outgrown and purified using a QIAprep® Spin Miniprep Kit (Qiagen, Cat. No. 27106). Two |.L1 of each of the positive clones were transformed into 20 {.il DHlOBac™ Max Efficiency® competent cells (GIBCO-BRL Cat. No. 10361-012) by heat shock for 45 seconds in a 42°C heat block. The transformed DHlOBac™ cells were diluted in 980 \xl SOC media (2% Bacto Tryptone, 0.5% Bacto Yeast Extract, 10 ml IM NaCl, 1.5 mM KCl, 10 mM MgCb, 10 mM MgS04 and 20 mM glucose) and 100μl were plated onto Luria Agar plates containing 50 [.ig/ml kanamycin, 7 |μg/ml gentamicin, 10 μg/ml tetracycline, 40 /xg/mL IPTG and 200 /xg/mL Bluo Gal. The plates were incubated for 48 hours at 37°C. A color selection was used to identify those cells having transposed viral DNA (referred to as a "bacmid"). Those colonies, which were white in color, were picked for analysis. Colonies were analyzed by PCR and positive colonies (containing desired bacmid) were selected for outgrowth and purified using a QIAprep® Spin Miniprep Kit (Qiagen, Cat. No. 27106). Clones were screened for the correct insert by amplifying DNA using primers to the transposable element in the bacmid via PCR using primers ZC447 (SEQ ID NO:43) and ZC976 (SEQ ID NO:44). The PCR reaction conditions were as follows: 1 cycle at 94°C for 5 minutes; 30 cycles of 94°C for 60 seconds, 50°C for 90 seconds, and 72°C for 180 seconds; 1 cycle at 72°C for 10 min; followed by 4°C soak. The PCR product was run on a 1% agarose gel to check the insert size. Those having the correct insert were used to transfect Spodoptera Frugiperda (Sf9) cells. B. Transfection

Sf9 cells were seeded at 1 x 10" cells per well in a 6-well plate and allowed to attach for 1 hour at 27°C. Five microliters of bacmid DNA were diluted with 100 .Lil Sf-900 II SFM (Life Technologies). Twenty μl of Lipofectamine™' Reagent (Life Technologies, Cat. No. 18324-012) were diluted with 100 ).il Sf-900 E SFM. The bacmid DNA and lipid solutions were gently mixed and incubated 30-45 minutes at room temperature. The media from one well of cells was aspirated, the cells were washed IX with 2 ml fresh Sf-900 n SFM media. Eight hundred microliters of Sf-900 n SFM was added to the lipid-DNA mixture. The wash media was aspirated and the DNA-lipid mi.x added to the cells. The cells were incubated at 27°C overnight. The DNA-lipid mix was aspirated and 2 ml of Sf-900 H media was added to each plate. The plates were incubated at 27°C, 90% humidity, for 96 hours after which the virus was harvested. C. Amplification
Sf9 cells were seeded at 1 x 10 cells per well in a 6-well plate. 50 μl of virus from the transfection plate were placed in the well and the plate was incubated at 27°C, 90% humidity, for 96 hours after which the virus was harvested.
Sf9 cells were grown in 50 ml Sf-900 II SFM in a 125 ml shake flask to an approximate density of 1 x 106 cells/ml. They were then infected with 100 μ1 of the viral stock from the above plate and incubated at 27°C for 3 days after which time the virus was harvested.
Example 19 Purification of IL-TIF-CEE from Sf9 cells The following procedure was used for purifying IL-TEF polypeptides containing C-terminal Glu-Glu (EE) tags (SEQ ID NO: 14), that were expressed in baculovirus. Conditioned media from Sf9 cells expressing IL-TIF-CEE (Example 18) was filtered using a 0.22 [xm SterinipTM filter (Millipore) and one CompleteTM protease inhibitor cocktail tablet (Boehringer) was added for every 50 mL of media. Total target protein concentrations of the concentrated conditioned media were determined via SDS-PAGE and Western blot analysis using an anti-EE antibody (produced in-house) followed by a secondary anti-mlg HRP conjugated antibody.

Batch purification was accomplished by adding 250 μl of Protein G Sepharose® 4 Fast Flow (Pharmacia) which v\'as treated with anti-EE antibody (Protein G Sepharose/anli-EE beads), to 40 mLs of Sf9 conditioned media. To capture the EL-TIF-CEE. the media-bead mixture was rocked overnight at 4°C. The beads were spun out of the media at 1000 RPM for 10 minutes in a Beckman GS6R centrifuge. The beads were washed using the following scheme (centrifugation and aspiration steps were done after each wash): Ix with 1 mL cell lysis buffer (150mM Sodium Chloride, 50 mM Tris pH 8.0, and 1% NP-40); Ix with 1 mL wash buffer (650mM Sodium Chloride, 50 mM Tris pH 8.0, and 1% NP-40); Ix with 1 mL cell lysis buffer. The beads were then suspended in 500 /xl cell lysis buffer and submitted for N-terminal sequencing.
Example 20 N-terminal Amino Acid Sequence Analysis:
Standard automated N-terminal polypeptide sequencing (Edman degradadon) was performed using reagents from Applied Biosystems. N-terminal sequence analysis was performed on a Model 494 Protein Sequencer System (Applied Biosystems, Inc., Foster City, CA). Data analysis was performed with Model 610A Data Analysis System for Protein Sequencing, version 2.1a (Applied Biosystems).
A purified human IL-TIF-CEE sample was supplied as captured on Protein G Sepharose/anti-EE beads (Example 19). The beads were placed in reducing SDS PAGE sample buffer and on a boiling water bath before running on SDS PAGE, using a Novex SDS PAGE system (4-12% Bis-Tris MES NuPAGE; Invitrogen) as per manufacturer's instructions. The gel was electrotransferred to a Novex PVDF membrane (Invitrogen), and Coomassie blue stained (Sigma, St. Louis, MO) using standard methods. Corresponding anti-EE Western blots were performed to identify the IL-TEF band for N-terminal protein sequencing. The mouse anti-EE IgG HRP conjugated antibody used was produced in house.
N-terminal sequence analysis of the secreted IL-TIF polypeptide verified the predicted cleavage site of the signal sequence resulting in a mature start of the IL-

Example 21 Construction of BaF3 Cells Expressine the CRF2-4 receptor (BaF3/CRF2-4 cells) and BaF3 Cells Expressing the CRF2-4 receptor with the zcvtorl 1 receptor i'BaF3/CRF2-
4/zcvtorn cells) BaF3 cells expressing the full-length CFR2-4 receptor were constructed, using 30j.ig of a CFR2-4 expression vector, described below. The BaF3 cells expressing the CFR2-4 receptor were designated as BaF3/CFR2-4. These cells were used as a control, and were further transfected with full-length zcytorl 1 receptor (SEQ ID NO: 18 and SEQ ED NO: 19) (US Patent No. 5,965,704) and used to construct a screen for IL-TIF activity as described below. This cell assay system can be used to assess IL-TIF acitvity and readily screen for the activity of IL-TIF variants.
A. Construction of BaF3 Cells Expressing the CRF2-4 receptor
The full-length cDNA sequence of CRF2-4 (Genbank Accession No. Z17227) was isolated from a Daudi cell line cDNA library, and then cloned into an expression vector pZP7P using standard methods.
BaF3, an interleukin-3 (IL-3) dependent pre-lymphoid cell line derived from murine bone man-ow (Palacios and Steinmetz, Cell 4T: 727-734, 1985; Mathey-Prevot at al., Mol. Cell. Biol. 6: 4133-4135, 1986), was maintained in complete media (RPMI medium (JRH Bioscience Inc., Lenexa, KS) supplemented with 10% heat-inactivated fetal calf serum, 2 ng/ml murine IL-3 (mIL-3) (R&D, Minneapolis, MN), 2 mM L-glutaMax-1™ (Gibco BRL), 1 mM Sodium Pyruvate (Gibco BRL), and PSN antibiotics (GIBCO BRL)). Prior to electroporation, CRF2-4/pZP7P was prepared and purified using a Qiagen Maxi Prep kit (Qiagen) as per manufacturer's instructions. For electroporation, BaF3 cells were washed once in serum-free RPMI media and then resuspended in serum-free RPMI media at a cell density of lO7 cells/ml. One ml of resuspended BaF3 cells was mixed with 30 μg of the CRF2-4/pZP7P plasmid DNA and transfeiTed to separate disposable electroporation chambers (GIBCO BRL). Following a 15-minute incubation at room temperature the cells were given two serial shocks (800 lFad/300 v.; 1180 lFad/300 V.) delivered by an electroporation apparatus (CELL-

PORATOR™; GIBCO BRL). After a S-minute recovery time, the electroporated cells were transfeiTed to 50 ml of complete media and placed in an incubator for 15-24 hours (37°C, 5% CO2). The cells were then spun down and resuspcnded in 50 ml of
complete media containing 2 μg/ml puromycin in a T-162 flask to isolate the puromycin-resistant pool. Pools of the transfected BaF3 cells, hereinafter called BaF3/CRF2-4 cells, were assayed for signaling capability as described below. Moreover these cells were further transfected with zcytorll receptor as described below.
B. Construction of BaF3 Cells Expressing CRF2-4 and zcytorll receptors
BaF3/CRF2-4 cells expressing the full-length zcytorl 1 receptor were constructed as per Example 21A above, using 30ug of an expression vector containing zcytorll cDNA (SEQ ID NO:18). Following recovery, transfectants were selected using 200pLg/m\ zeocin and 2/J.g/ml puromycin. The BaF3/CRF2-4 cells expressing the zcytorll receptor were designated as BaF3/CRF2-4/zcytorll cells. These cells were used to screen for IL-TIF activity (Example 22).
Example 22 Screening for IL-TIF activity using BaF3/CRF2-4/zcvtorl 1 cells using an Alamar Blue
Proliferation Assay A. Screening for IL-TIF activity using BaF3/CRF2-4/zcvtorll cells using an Alamar Blue Proliferation Assay
Purified IL-TIF-CEE (Example 9) was used to test for the presence of proliferation activity as described below
BaF3/CRF2-4/zcytorll cells were spun down and washed in the complete media, described in Example 21A above, but without mIL-3 (hereinafter referred to as "mIL-3 free media"). The cells were spun and washed 3 times to ensure the removal of the mIL-3. Cells were then counted in a hemacytometer. Cells were plated in a 96-well foiTnat at 5000 cells per well in a volume of 100 μ1 per well using the mIL-3 free media.

Proliferation of the BaF3/CRF2-4/zcytorll cells was assessed using IL-TIF-CEE protein diluted with mlL-S free media to 50, 10, 2, 1, 0.5, 0.25, 0.13, 0.06 ng/ml concentrations. 100 μl of the diluted protein was added to the BaF3/CRF2-4/zcytorll cells. The total assay volume is 200 ul. The assay plates were incubated at 37°C, 5% CO;' for 3 days at which time Alamar Blue (Accumed, Chicago, IL) was added at 20),tlAvelI. Plates were again incubated at 37°C, 5% CO: for 24 hours. Alamar Blue gives a fluourometric readout based on number of live cells, and is thus a direct measurement of cell proliferation in comparison to a negative control. Plates were again incubated at 37°C, 5% CO2 for 24 hours. Plates were read on the FmaxTM plate reader (Molecular Devices Sunnyvale, CA) using the SoftMaxTM Pro program, at wavelengths 544 (Excitation) and 590 (Emmission). Results confirmed the dose-dependent proliferative response of the BaF3/CRF2-4/zcytorll cells to IL-TIF-CEE . The response, as measured, was approximately 15-fold over background at the high end of 50ng/ml down to a 2-fold induction at the low end of 0.06ng/ml. The BaF3 wild type cells, and BaF3/CRF2-4 cells did not proliferate in response to IL-TIF-CEE, showing that EL-TIF is specific for the CRF2-4/zcytorllheterodimeric receptor.
Example 23 IL-TIF-Expressing Transgenic Mice A. Generation of transgenic mice expressing mouse IL-TIF
DNA-fragments from a transgenic vector containing 5' and 3' flanking sequences of the lymphoid specific EΜ,LCK promoter, mouse IL-TIF (SEQ ID NO:37; polypeptide shown in SEQ ID NO:38), the rat insulin II intron, IL-TIF cDNA and the human growth hormone poly A sequence were prepared using standard methods, and used for microinjection into fertilized B6C3fl (Taconic, Germantown, NY) murine oocytes, using a standard microinjection protocol. See, Hogan, B. et al., Manipulating the Mouse Embryo. A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, 1994.
Twenty-five mice transgenic for mouse IL-TEF with the lymphoid-specific E.LiLCK promoter were identified among 154 pups. Eleven of the transgenic pups died within hours of birth, 9 transgenic pups with a shiny appearance were necropsied the day of birth, and 2 grew to adulthood. Expression levels were low in

one adult animal. Tissues from the necropsied pups were prepared and histologically examined as described below.
The shiny appearance of the neonate pups appeared to be associated with a stiffening of the slcin, as if they were drying out, resulting in a reduction of proper nursing. Their movements became stiffened in general. B. Genot\pic and Expression analysis from transgenic mice
From the mouse IL-TIF transgenic line driven by the EuLck promoter, described above, newborn pups were observed for abnormalities on day one (day of birth) and sacrificed for tissue collection. All pups were given a unique ear tag number, and those designated as having a shiny skin phenotype at the time of sacrifice were noted. Of the twelve pups, six were observed to have the shiny skin phenotype, with two designated as "severe" phenotypes. Severe phenotypes were defined as small pups with little mobility whose slcin was especially shiny and very dry. Skin was collected from the left lateral side of each pup, and frozen in Tissue-Tek embedding medium.
Genotyping confirmed that shiny skin was a good indicator of transgenic status, although no expression data was collected. Frozen skin blocks were sectioned to 7 microns on a cryostat and stained to look for the presence of CDS, CD4, CDS, mouse macrophages, B-cells, CD80, and MHC class n. The staining protocol involved binding of commercially available antibodies to the tissue, detection with a peroxidase labeled secondary antibody, and DAB chromogen reaction to visualize staining.
Transgenic animals were found to be higher in MHC class II and CD80, which stain for antigen-presenting cells and dendritic cells respectively. The macrophage marker also detected more cells in the severe and non-severe transgenics than in the wild type animals, although the distribution of these cells was very localized in the high dermis. Animals classified as severe phenotypes had the most robust staining with all three of these markers, showing a dramatic increase in cell intensity and number when compared to the wild type. This variability may be due to a difference in expression level of IL-TIF in these transgenic founder pups. The MHC class n positive cells were located in the lower dermis arranged in loose open clusters, while the CD80 positive cells were predominantly below the dermis either in or just above the muscle/fat layer. These two cell populations do not appear to overlap. All

other markers were of equivalent staining in all animals. Toluidine blue staining for mast cells revealed slight to no difference between wild type and transgenic animals. C. Microscopic evaluation of tissues from transgenic mice: IL-TIF TG with EuLck promoter has a neonatal lethal-histology
On the day of birth, pups from litters containing IL-TIF transgenics were humanely euthanized and the whole body immersion fixed in 10% buffered formalin. Six transgenic and two non-transgenic pups were submitted for further workup. Four of the six transgenics were noted to have shiny skin at the time of euthanasia. The fixed tissues were trimmed into 5 sections (longitudinal section of the head and cross sections of the upper and lower thorax and upper and lower abdomen). The tissues were embedded in paraffin, routinely processed, sectioned at 5 um (Jung 2065 Supercut microtome, Leica Microsystems, Wetzlar, Germany) and stained with H&E. The stained tissues were evaluated under a light microscope (Nikon Eclipse E600, Nikon Inc., Melville, NY) by a board (ACVP) certified veterinary pathologist.
On microscopic examination, the epidermis of two of the transgenic pups was observed to be thicker than the epidermis of the other six mice including the controls. No other abnormalities were noted in the skin and other tissues of any of the mice. Representative areas of skin from corresponding regions of the thorax and abdomen were imaged with the 40X objective lens and with a CoolSnap digital camera (Roper Scientific, Inc., San Diego, CA) that was attached to the microscope. The thickness of the epidermis was then determined using histomorphometry software (Scion Image for Windows (NIH Image), Scion Corp., Frederick, MD, v. B4.0.2). The results, shown in Table 14, were as follows:


There were insufficient numbers of mice to determ.me statistical significance; however, the transgenics, especially those with shiny skin, tended lo have a thicker epidermis than the non-shiny transgenics and non-transgenic controls. The shiny transgenics may have a higher expression level of EL-TIF than the non-shiny transgenics.; however, expression levels were not determined for these mice.
Example 24 In vivo affects of IL-TIF polypeptide A. Mice infected with IL-TIF Adenovirus show induction of SAA
Mice (female, C57B1, 8 weeks old; Charles River Labs, Kingston, NY) were divided into three groups. An adenovirus expressing an IL-TIF polypeptide (SEQ ID N0:3) was previously made using standard methods. On day 0, parental or IL-TIF adenovirus was administered to the first (n=8) and second (n=8) groups, respectively,
via the tail vein, with each mouse receiving a dose of ~1 x 10 particles in -0.1 ml volume. The third group (n=8) received no treatment. On day 12, mice were weighed and blood was drawn from the mice. On day 20 of the study, mice were sacrificed, body weight was recorded, and blood and tissues were collected for analysis.
All blood samples were analyzed for complete blood count (CBC) and serum chemistry.- At both day 12 and 20, statistically significant elevations in neutrophil and platelet counts were detected iii the blood samples from the IL-TIF adenovirus administered group relative to the parental adenovirus treated group. Also, lymphocyte counts were significantly reduced from the IL-TIF adenovirus administered group relative to the parental adenovirus treated group at day 12, but at day 20 the opposite effect was observed. In addition, the IL-TEF adenovirus treated mice decreased in body weight, while parental adenovirus treated mice gained weight. Glucose was significantly reduced at both time points in the serum samples from the EL-TIF adenovirus administered group relative to the parental adenovirus treated group. Serum albumin was also significantly reduced at both time points. Blood urea nitrogen levels were significantly reduced at day 20. Serum globulin levels were significantly increased the IL-TIF adenovirus administered group relative to the parental adenovirus

treated group at both time points. Microscopically, one observed histoinoiphological change attributed to IL-TIF was tubular regeneration in the kidney. While not uncommon in mice, there was an increased incidence and severity in this group of animals. Nephropathy is characterized as multifocal areas of basophilia of cortical tubular epithelial cells.
An additional experiment, identical in design to the one described above, was carried out in order to verify results and collect additional samples. In this study, body weight was recorded every three days, blood was collected from the mice 3 days following adenovirus injection, and mice were sacrificed for blood and tissue collection on day 10 (n=4 per group) and day 20 (n=4 per group). Elevated neutrophil and platelet counts were again detected in blood samples from the IL-TIF adenovirus administered group relative to the parental adenovirus treated group. This effect was evident for neutrophils by day 3, but platelet count was not significantly different until day 10. Also, lymphocyte counts were significantly reduced from the EL-TIF adenovirus administered group relative to the parental adenovirus treated group at 3 and 10, but they were not elevated on day 20 as in the previous study. Again, mice given IL-TIF adenovirus lost weight over the course of the study, while control virus treated and untreated mice gained weight. Serum chemistry parameters were consistent with the previous study. Histological findings of tubular regeneration in the kidney associated with IL-TIF adenovirus treatment were also confirmed in this study. This was consistent with the additional finding of moderate proteinurea in mice given IL-TIF adenovirus (day 20).
The results suggested that IL-TIF affects hematopoiesis, i.e., blood cell formation in vivo. As such, IL-TIF could have biological activities effecting different blood stem cells, thus resulting in an increase or decrease of certain differentiated blood cells in a specific lineage. For instance, IL-TIF appears to reduce lymphocytes, which is likely due to inhibition of the committed progenitor cells that give rise to lymphoid cells, supporting the notion that IL-TIF could play a role in anemia, infection, inflammation, and/or immune diseases by influencing blood cells involved in these processes. Antagonists against IL-TIF, such as antibodies or its soluble receptor zcytorl6, could be used as therapeutic reagents in these diseases.

Moreover, these experiments using IL-TIF adenovirus in mice suggest thai IL-TIF over-expression increases the level of neutrophils and platelets in vivo. . It is conceivable that there are other factors (such as cytokines and modifier genes) involved in the responses to EL-TIF in the whole animal system. Nevertheless, these data strongly support the involvement of IL-TIF in hematopoiesis. Thus, EL-TIF, anti-IL-TIF antibodies, and its receptors, such as zcytorl6 and soluble zcytorl 1/CRF2-4, are suitable reagents/targets for the diagnosis and treatment in variety of disorders, such as inflammation, immune disorders, infection, anemia, hematopoietic and other cancers, and the like.
Association of IL-TIF expression with weight loss, appearance of acute phase protein SAA, and metabolic perturbations evidenced by decreased serum glucose, albumin and urea nitrogen suggest that IL-TIF is a cytokine which acts early in certain inflammatory responses. Mice given IL-TIF adenovirus may represent a state of chronic inflammation, such as that observed in EBD, ulcerative colitis, arthritis, psoriasis, asthma, and the like. Certain detrimental inflammatory processes might be inhibited by use of an antagonist to IL-TIF, such as anti-IL-TIF antibodies, and its receptors, such as zcytorl6 and soluble zcytorll/CRF2-4, and the like.
B. IL-TIF is a pro-inflammatory cytokine: Serum Level of SAA in Adeno-IL-TIF mice: An ELISA was performed to determine the level of SAA in IL-TIF-Adeno mice, using a Mouse SAA Immunoassay Kit and protocol (Biosource International, California, USA). Diluted standards and unknowns were plated along with HRP-anti-mouse SAA into assay plates pre-coated with anti-mouse SAA antibody. Plates were incubated for one hour at 37 degrees C and then washed according to kit instructions. Plates were developed for 15 minutes at room temperature using TMB and stopped with 2M H2SO4, The absorbance at 450 nm was read using a Spectromax 190 (Molecular Devices, California, USA). The resulting data was analyzed using Softmax Pro (Molecular Devices, California, USA) and Excel (Microsoft Corp., Washington, USA).
Mice infected with IL-TEF-Adenovirus had highly elevated levels of mSAA, over 10-fold, relative to the Parental-Adenovirus control.

C. Flow cytometry analysis oF IL-TIF-adenovirus infected mice
To analyze the effects of IL-TEF expression in vivo by adenovirus, we isolated peripheral blood, spleen, and bone maiTOw from EL-TEF-adenovirus infected C57BL/6 mice at day 10 and day 20 after infecdon. Approximately 100 μl of blood was collected in heparinized tubes, then depleted of red blood cells by hypotonic lysis (cells were lysed in 4.5 ml dH2O for ~5 seconds before adding 1.5 ml 3.6% NaCl). Spleens were crushed between two frosted glass slides, and the cells released were passed over a Nytex membrane (cell strainer) and pelleted. Bone marrow was obtained by crushing one femur in a mortar and pestle and passing the cells over a cell strainer (Falcon). Cells were resuspended in FACS wash buffer (WB = HBSS/1%BSA/10 mM hepes), counted in trypan blue, and Ixl06 viable cells of each type were aliquoted into 5 ml polystyrene tubes. Cells were washed and pelleted, then incubated for 20 min on ice with cocktails of fluorescently-labeled (FITC, PE, and CyChrome) monoclonal antibodies (PharMingen, San Diego, CA) recognizing various cell surface markers used to identify particular immune cell subsets. These markers include the following (listed in the groups of 3 we tested). For blood staining: CD3, Grl, and B220; for spleen staining: CD62L, CD44, and CD3; CD21, CD23, and B220; IgD, IgM, and B220; CDllb, Grl, and CDS; for bone marrow staining: CD11b, Grl, CDS; IgD, IgM, and B220. Cells were washed with 1.5 ml WB and pelleted, then resuspended in 0.4 ml of WB and analyzed on a FACScan using CellQuest software (Becton Dickinson, Mountain View, CA).
We found that the fraction of neutrophils in the blood of IL-TIF-adeno-treated mice was elevated 4-13 fold at Day 10 and 2-3-fold at Day 20. At Day 10, this difference resulted in a concomitant decrease in the fraction of lymphocytes and monocytes in the blood. In the bone marrow, we found that the total number of B cells decreased ~ 1.5-fold while the percentage of mature recirculating B cells increased and the total number of immature B cells dropped slighdy at Day 10. At Day 20, many of these differences were not apparent, though we did find a slight increase in the fraction of mature recirculating B cells. In the spleen, the total number of B cells decreased slightly (1.5-2-fold) on both days tested, while on Day 20, the fraction of marginal zone

B cells (CD21-^CD23-B220+) increased by 2-fold and the number of follicular B cells (CD2I+CD23-I-B220+) dropped 2-fold. Marginal zone B cells are considered to be the first line of defense against pathogens, as they are more sensitive to B cell mitogens (e.g. LPS) than the more common follicular B cells, and when they encounter their cognate antigen they differentiate very quickly into antibody-secreting cells. It is possible that IL-TtF either enhances the conversion of follicular to marginal zone B cells, or that it selectively depletes the less mature follicular cells. The changes in B cell numbers found in the bone marrow may reflect an enhanced differentiation of pre/pro and/or immature B cells, or an increased influx of recirculating B cells from the blood/spleen, and perhaps a coincident increase in export of immature B cells to the periphery. The actual number of mature BM B cells does not increase, so DL-TIF may not enhance their proliferation. Alternatively, IL-TIF may block differentiation of immature B cells and thereby increase the relative representation of mature B cells.
P. Zcvtorl6/Fc4 neutralizes IL-TIF activity in vivo: SAA ELISA showing SAA Expression induced by IL-TIF is inhibited by zcvtorl6-Fc4 injection:
To assess whether zcytorl6 could inhibit the SAA induction by IL-TIF mice (female, C3H/HEJ, 8 weeks old; Jackson Labs, Bar Harbor, ME) were divided into five groups of three animals each and treated by IP injection of proteins as shown in Table 15 below:


The zcytorl6 injections preceded the IL-TIF injection by 15 minutes. Both protein injections were given by the intraperitoneal route. A blood sample was taken from each mouse prior to treatment, then at 2 and 6 hours after treatment. Serum was prepared from each of the samples for measurement of SAA and IL-TIF.
An ELISA was performed as described previously to determine the level of SAA in mice treated with IL-TIF and a soluble receptor for IL-TIF, zcytori6-Fc4 described herein. Mice treated with 3 μg IL-TIF in conjunction with zcytorl6-Fc4 at concentrations between 20-lOOug showed a reduction in the level of SAA induced by EL-TIF alone to background levels, demonstrating that zcytorl6 inhibited the SAA induction activity of IL-TIF in vivo.
Example 25 Expression of IL-TIF in Inflammatorv Bowel Disease mouse model
Inflammatory Bowel disease (IBD) is a multifactorial disease, divided into two types, ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's Disease (CD). The etiology of these diseases is currently not known and clinical manifestations differ. UC is restricted to the colon, and symptoms include bloody diarrhea, weight loss and abdominal pain. Macroscopic features of UC include punctuated ulcers and a shortened colon. In contrast, Crohn's Disease can also affect other parts of the bowel. Symptoms include diarrhea (which is less often bloody than seen in UC), a low-grade fever and pain. Macroscopic features include fibrotic and stenotic bowel with strictures, deep ulcers, fissures and fistulas.
Several animal models are available that mimic these human diseases. Three commonly used models of colitis for new drug screening are the 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid (TNBS) induced rat model, the mouse T-cell transfer model, and the dextran sodium sulfate, or DSS-induced mouse model. The DSS model was derived from a model by Dr. S. Murthy, using a disease activity index scoring system (S.N.S. Murthy, Treatment of Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Murine Colitis bv Intracolonic Cyclosporin. Digestive Diseases and Sciences, Vol. 38, ' No. 9 (September 1993), pp.1722-1734).

In the present study, an acute colitis resulted when mice \\ ere fed DSS in their drinking water for 6 days. The animals exhibited weight toss and bloody diarrhea, mimicking the condition of UC patients. The mechanism of the DSS injury is not well characterized, but it is thought that it induces a nonspecific inflammatory immune response and mimics environmental effects on the bowel. It is possible that H2S is produced, which could be toxic to cells. In addition, changes in luminal bacterial flora occur. Activated monocytes, macrophages and mast cells have been demonstrated in the colon. Mediators for all three animal models include inflammatory prostaglandins, leukotriene metabolites and cytokines.
A. Method
Colitis was induced by DSS ingestion in Swiss Webster female mice from Charles River Laboratories. The mice were 10 and 11 weeks old at the start of the study. Mice were given 4% DSS in the drinking water for a period of 6 days (treated mice), or were given only normal drinldng water (control mice). A Disease Activity Index clinical score (DAI) was used, which comprises a combination of measurements including stool quality, occult blood and weight loss. DAI was obtained daily for each mouse beginning one day after DSS treatment. After 6 days, DSS was removed from the drinking water of the treated mice. All mice were monitored by DAI clinical score until sacrifice at either 2, 7 or 10 days from the start of the study. On each of days 2 and 7, four DSS-treated mice and one control mouse were sacrificed. On day 10, four DSS-treated mice and two control mice were sacrificed. For all animals after sacrifice, the colon length was measured. Colon sections were fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin for histologic analysis or frozen for mRNA extraction.
B. Histologic scoring and Disease Activity Index (DAI) scoring
Histologic index scores were obtained following the method in reference 1. Generally, the colon sections were scored blinded by a pathologist for crypt scores, hyperplastic epithelium, crypt distortion and inflammation.
Daily, each mouse was graded as to a clinical score based on weight loss, stool consistence and intestinal bleeding. Higher scores were assigned for increasing amounts of weight loss, diarrhea and bleeding. The daily score for each mouse was the mean grade obtained from the three results/observations.

C. Results
The colon lengths for DSS-treated mice were somewhat shorter on days 7 and 10 than non-treated controls, but the results may not have been significant (not checked by a statistical application). The clinical DAI scores reflected a rise in disease symptoms in the DSS-treated mice similar to that seen in past studies using this model. Occult blood was greatest on approximately days 4 and 5, while loose stools were more prevalent on days 6 and 7. Histopathology results show that disease scores were different from the controls on all sacrifice days, especially days 7 (peak) and 10. The histopathology screening scores were: controls=0.5, day 2 DSS-treated mice=8.8, day 7 DSS-treated mice=21, day 10 DSS-treated mice=18. Clinical and histopathology scores show that the DSS-treated mice had significant colon disease relative to the non-treated controls. The frozen tissue samples were used later for mRNA determinations as described below.
D. Tissue Expression of IL-TIF RNA in Murine IBD Colon Samples using RT-PCR:
To determine the relative expression of mouse IL-TIF RNA (SEQ ID NO:37) in an inflammatory bowel disease model, the distal colons of DSS-treated mice were collected and snap frozen in liquid nitrogen. In this experiment mdce were treated with DSS and samples were taken on days 2, 7 and 10 post-treatment. Samples from normal untreated mice were collected as well. RNA was then isolated from the samples using the standard RNeasy Midiprep™ Kit (Qiagen, Valencia, CA) as per manufacturer's instructions.
The RT-PCR reactions used the 'Superscript One-Step RT-PCR System with Platinum Taq.' (Life Technologies, Gaithersburg, MD) Each 25 μ1 reaction consisted of the following: 12.5 (μl of 2X Reaction Buffer, 0.5ul (20pmol/(al) ZC39,289 (SEQ ID NO:45), 0.5 [x\ (20pmol/ul) ZC39,290 (SEQ ID NO:46), 0.4 μ1 RT/Taq polymerase mix, l0ul RNase-free water, 1.0 (il total RNA (100ng/j.il). The amplification was earned out as follows: one cycle at 50° for 30 minutes followed by 35 cycles of 94°, 30 seconds; 58°, 30 seconds; 72°, 60 seconds; then ended with a final extension at 72° for 7 minutes. 8 to 10 μl of the PCR reaction product was subjected to

standard agarose gel electrophoresis using a 2μc agarose gel. The correct predicted cDNA fragment size was observed as follows: There was a faint band in both day 2 samples. Two of three day 7 samples generated a strong band while the third day 7 sample generated a very strong band. The three day 10 samples generated a strong
5 band. Finally, the two 'normal' control samples didn't generate any band. These results suggest that there may be an upregulation of IL-TEF in certain types of inflammatory responses in the colon, including those associated with IBD, UC, and CD. The data is summarized in Table 16 below where Relative Expression was scored as follows: 0 = No band, 1 = faint band, 2 = strong band, 3 = very strong band.
D

Example 26 Construct for generating hzcvtorll/hCRF2-4 heterodimer A cell line expressing a secreted hzcytorll/hCRF2-4 heterodimer was Dnstructed. In this construct, the extracellular domain of hzcytorl 1 (SEQ ED NO:47) as fused to the heavy chain of IgG gammal (Fc4) (SEQ E) NO:64) with a Glu-Glu tag

(SEQ E) NO:60) at the C-terminus, while the extracellular domain of CRF2-4 (SEQ ID NO:48) was fused to Fc4 with a His tag (SEQ ID N0:6i) at the C-terrninus. For both of the hzcytorl I and hCRF2-4 arms of the heterodimer, a Gly-Ser spacer of 8 amino acids (SEQ ID NO:49) was engineered between the extracellular portion of the receptor and the n-terminus of Fc4. In addition, a thrombin cleavage site was engineered between the Fc4 domain and the c-terminal tag to enable possible proteolytic removal of the tag.
For construction of the hzcytorl 1/Fc4-CEE portion of the heterodimer, the extracellular portion of hzcytorl 1 was PCRed from a vector containing human zcytorll fused ot Fc4 (hzcytorll/IgG) with oligos ZC39335 (SEQ ED NO:50) and ZC39434 (SEQ ID N0:51) with EcoRI and BamHI restriction sites engineered at the 5' and 3' ends, respectively, under conditions as follows: 25 cycles of 94°C for 60 sec, 57 "C for 60 sec, and 72 °C for 120 sec; and 72°C for 7 min. PCR products were purified using QIAquick PCR Purification Kit (Qiagen), digested with EcoRI and BamHI (Boerhinger-Mannheim), separated by gel electrophoresis and purified using a QIAquick gel extraction kit (Qiagen). The hzcytorl 1 EcoRI/BamHI fragment was ligated into pZP-9 hzcytor7/Fc4-TCS-CEE that had been digested with EcoRI and BamHI. This vector has the extracellular portion of hzcytor7 (US Patent No. 5,945,511) fused to Fc4 (SEQ ID NO:64) with a CEE tag (SEQ ID NO:59), and digesting with EcoRI and BamHI removes the extracellular portion of hzcytor7 and allows substitution of hzcytorl 1. Minipreps of the resulting ligation were screened for an EcoRI/BamHI insert of the correct size and positive minipreps were sequenced to confirm accuracy of the PCR reaction. The polypeptide sequence of the hzcytorll/Fc4-CEE fusion polyepeptide is shown in SEQ ID NO:62.
For construction of the hCRF2-4/Fc4-cHIS portion of the heterodimer, the extracellular portion of hCRF2-4 was PCRed from pZP-9 CRF with oligos ZC39,319 (SEQ ID NO:52) and ZC39,325 (SEQ ID NO:53) under conditions as follows: 30 cycles of 94°C for 60 sec, 57 °C for 60 sec, and 72 °C for 120 sec; and 72°C for 7 min. PCR product were purified as described above and then digested with EcoRI and BamHI. Because the PCR product had an internal EcoRI site two bands were obtained upon digestion; a O.lOlkB EcoRl/EcoRI fragment and a 0.574 kB

EcoRI/BamHI fragment. The 0.574 EcoRI/BamHI fragment was ligLded into vector pHZ-1 DRl/Fc4-TCS-cHIS that had been digested with EcoRI and BamHI. This vector has the extracellular portion of hDR-1 fused to Fc4 with a C-HIS tag (SEQ ID N0:61), and digesting with EcoRI and BamHI removes the extracellular portion of hDR-1 and allows substitution of hCRF2-4. Minipreps of the resulting ligation were screened for an EcoRl/'BamHI insert of the coirect size, and positive minipreps, were EcoRI digested and band purified for further construction. The O.lOlkB EcoRI/EcoRI fragment was ligated into the EcoRI digested minipreps and clones were screened for proper orientation of insertion by KpnI/Ndel restriction digestion. Clones with the correct size insertion were submitted for DNA sequencing to confirm the accuracy of the PCR reaction. The polypeptide sequence of the hzcytorlI/Fc4-CEE fusion polyepeptide is shown in SEQ ID NO:62.
About 16 (.tg each of the hzcytorl l/Fc4-cEE and hCRF2-4/Fc-4-cHIS were co-transfected into BHK-570 (ATCC No. CRL-103I4) cells using Lipofectamine (Gibco/BRL), as per manufacturer's instructions. The transfected cells were selected for 10 days in DMEM + 5%FBS (Gibco/BRL) containing 1 |iM methotrexate (MTX) (Sigma, St. Louis, MO) and 0.5 mg/ml 0418 (Oibco/BRL) for 10 days. The resulting pool of transfectants was selected again in 10 μM MTX and 0.5mg./ml G418 for 10 days.
Example 27 Purification of zcytorl 1/CRF2-4 heterodimer receptor
Conditioned culture media zcytorl 1/CRF2-4 heterodimer was filtered through 0.2 |i,m filter and 0.02% (w/v) Sodium Azide was added. The conditioned media was directly loaded a Poros Protein A 50 Column at 10 - 20 ml/min. Following load the column was washed with PBS and the bound protein eluted with O.IM Glycine pH 3.0. The eluted fractions containing protein were adjusted to pH 7.2 and Concentrated to The 80 ml eluate from the Protein A column was loaded onto a 318ml Superdex 200 HiLoad 26/60 Column (Pharmacia). The column was eluted with PBS pH 7.2 at 3 ml/ min.. Protein containing fractions were pooled to eliminate aggregates.

The Superdex 200 pool was adjusted to 0.5M NaCl, lOmM Imideizole using solid NaCI and Imidazole and the pH was adjusted to 7.5 with NaOH. The adjusted protein solution was loaded onto a 200 ml NiNTA column (Qiagen) at 2 CWhr. The bound protein was eluted, following PBS wash of the column, with five concentration steps of Imidazole : 40mNl lOOmM, 150mM, 250mM 500mM. The fractions eluted at each step of imidizole were pooled and analyzed by N-terminal sequencing. Pools containing heterodimer. determined by sequencing were pooled and concentrated lo 50 ml using a YM30 Stirred Cell Membrane (Millipore). The 50 ml eluate from the NiNTA column was loaded onto a 318 ml Superdex 200 HiLoad 26/60 Column (Pharmacia ). The column was eluted with PBS pH 7.2 at 3 ml/ min.. Protein containing fractions were pooled to eliminate aggregates, as deteiTnined by SEC MALS analysis.
Purified proteins were analyzed by N-terminal sequencing, amino acid analysis, and SEC-MALS. Binding affinities and biological activities were determined.
Example 28
Comparison of Zcvtorl6-Fc4 activity with CRF2-4/ZcvtorIl-Fc4 activity using
BaF3/CRP2-4/zcytorl 1 cells in an Alamar Blue Proliferation Assay
BaF3/CRF2-4/zcytorll cells described herein were spun down and washed in PBS 2 times to ensure the removal of the mIL-3, and then spun a third time and re-suspended in the complete media (RPMI 1640, 10%FBS, 1% GlutaMAX, 1% Sodium Pyruvate), but without mIL-3 (hereinafter referred to as "mIL-3 free media"). Cells were then counted in a hemocytometer. Cells were plated in a 96-well format at 5000 cells per well in a volume of 100 |il per well using the mIL-3 free media.
IL-TIF protein (SEQ ID N0:3) was diluted to 200 pg/ml in miIL-3 free media. Zcytorl6-Fc4 fusion protein (described herein) was diluted to 1 jj,g/ml in the mIL-3 free/IL-TIF media on the top row of the plate, and then diluted serially 1:2 down the remaining 7 rows on the 96-well plate, leaving a volume of 100 [,d in each well. This was then added to the 100 |.d of cells, for a final IL-TlF concentration of 100 pg/ml in all wells, and final Zcytorl6-Fc4 concentrations of approximately 1, 0.5, 0.25, 0.125, 0.063, 0.31, 0.016, and 0.008 μg/ml m a total assay volume of 200 μl. CRF2-4/zcytorl 1-Fc4 was diluted to 8 (μg/ml in the mrL-3 free/EL-TIF media on the top row of

Lhe plate, and then diluted serially 1:2 down the remaining 7 rows on the 96-vvell plate, leaving a volume of 100 (μl in each well. This was then added to the 100 ul of cells, for a final IL-TIF concentration of 100 pg/ml in all wells, and final CRF2-4/zcytorll-Fc4 concentrations of approximately 8, 4, 2, 1, .05, 0.25, 0.125 and 0.063 ug/ml, in a total assay volume of 200 |,il. The assay plates were incubated at 37°C, 5% CO2 for 4 days at which time Alamar Blue (Accumed, Chicago, IL) was added at 20 Lil/well. Plates were again incubated at 37°C, 5% CO2 for 16 hours. Alamar Blue gives a fluourometric readout based on number of live cells, and is thus a direct measurement of cell proliferation in comparison to a negati\e control. Plates were read on the Wallac Victor 2. 1420 Multilabel Counter (Wallac, Turku, Finland) at wavelengths 530 (Excitation) and 590 (Emmssion). Results showed a strong dose-dependant inhibition of the proliferative effect of IL-TIF on BaF3/CRF2-4/zcytorl 1 cells by Zcytorl6-Fc4. CRF2-4/zcytorll-Fc4 showed a much weaker inhibition of IL-TIF. IL-TEF alone stimulated the cells 13-fold over background. Zcytorl6 completely inhibited that proliferation at concentrations from 0.025-1 |.i.g/ml, and partially inhibited proliferation at all the remaining concentrations down to 8 ng/ml. CRF2-4/zcytorll-Fc4 was only able to completely inhibit proliferation at the highest concentration of 8 p-g/ml, it partially inhibited proliferation at 0.125-4 )u,g/ml, and inhibition was barely detectable at the lowest concentration of 63 ng/ml.
Example 29 Zcvtorl6 Decreases IL-6 and SAA Levels in Mouse Collagen Induced Arthritis (CIA)
Model A. Mouse Collagen Induced Arthritis (CIA) Model
Ten week old male DBA/IJ mice (Jackson Labs) were divided into 3 groups of 13 mice/group. On day-21, animals were given a subcutaneous injection of 50-100 (il of Img/ml chick Type n collagen formulated in Complete Freund's Adjuvant (prepared by Chondrex, Redmond, WA), and three weeks later on Day 0 they were given a 100 jil i25[ig) injection of LPS from E. coli 0111:B4, prepared as 250 μg/ml from a lyophilized aliquot (Sigma, St. Louis, MO). Zcytorl6 was administered as an intraperitoneal injection 3 times a week for 4 weeks, from Day 0 to Day 25. The first

two groups received either 100 or 10 μg of zcytorl6 per animal per dose, and the third group received the vehicle control, PBS (Life Technologies, Rockville. MD). Animals began to show symptoms of arthritis follovviiig the LPS injection, with most animals developing inflammation within 2-3 weeks. The extent of disease was evaluated in each paw by using a caliper to measure paw thickness, and by assigning a clinical score (0-3) to each paw: 0=Normal, 0.5=Toe(s) inflamed, l=Mild paw inflammation, 2=Moderate paw inflammation, and 3=Severe paw inflammation as detailed below. Monitoring Disease:
Animals can begin to show signs of paw inflammation soon after the second collagen injecdon, and some animals may even begin to have signs of toe inflammation prior to the second collagen injection. Most animals develop arthritis within 2-3 weeks of the boost injection, but some may require a longer period of time. Incidence of disease in this model is typically 95-100%, and 0-2 non-responders (determined after 6 weeks of observation) are typically seen in a study using 40 animals. Note that as inflammation begins, a common transient occun-ence of variable low-grade paw or toe inflammation can occur. For this reason, an animal is not considered to have established disease until marked, persistent paw swelling has developed.
All animals were observed daily to assess the status of the disease in their paws, which was done by assigning a qualitative clinical score to each of the paws. Every day, each animal has its 4 paws scored according to its state of clinical disease. To determine the clinical score, the paw can be thought of as having 3 zones, the toes, the paw itself (manus or pes), and the wrist or ankle joint. The extent and severity of the inflammation relative to these zones was noted including observation all the toes for any joint swelling, torn nails, or redness, notation of any evidence of edema or redness in any of the paws, and notation any loss of fine anatomic demarcation of tendons or bones, and evaluation the wrist or ankle for any edema or redness, and notation if the inflammation extends proximally up the leg. A paw a score of 1, 2, or 3 was based first on the overall impression of severity, and second on how many zones were involved. The scale used for clinical scoring is shown below. Clinical Score:

0 = Normal
0.5 = One or more toes involved, but only the toes are inHamed
1 = mild inflammation involving the paw (1 zone), and may include a :oe or toes
2 = moderate inflammation in the paw & may include some of the toes and/or the wrist/ankle (2 zones)
3 = severe inflammation in the paw, wrist/ankle, and some or all of the toes (3 zones)
Established disease is defined as a qualitative score of paw inflammation ranlcing 2 or more, that persists overnight (two days in a row). Once established disease is present, the date is recorded and designated as that animal's first day with "established disease".
Blood was collected throughout the experiment to monitor serum levels of anti-collagen antibodies. Animals were euthanized on Day 2L and blood was collected for serum and for CBC's. From each animal, one affected paw was collected in 10%NBF for histology and one was frozen in liquid nitrogen and stored at -80°C for mRNA analysis. Also, 1/2 spleen, 1/2 thymus, 1/2 mesenteric lymph node, one liver lobe and the left kidney were collected in RNAlater for RNA analysis, and .1/2 spleen, 1/2 thymus, 1/2 mesenteric lymph node, the remaining liver, and the right kidney were collected in 10% NBF for histology. Serum was collected and frozen at -80°C for immunoglobulin and cytokine assays.
No statistically significant differences were found between the groups when the paw scores and measurements data were analyzed, although there was a suggestion that one treatment group receiving zcytorl6 may have had a delay in the onset and progression of paw inflammation. There were no significant differences between the groups for changes in body weight, CBC parameters, or anti-collagen antibody levels. These early results indicate that zcytorl6 does not adversely effect body weight, red or white blood cells, or antibody production, but may be able to reduce inflammation. Further investigations into dosing, mechanism of action, and efficacy are under way.

B. Anti-collagen ELISA data in mouse CIA model
Serum samples were collected on days 0, 7, 14, 21 and ZS relative to date of LPS challenge (day 0) from the murine model of collagen induced arthritis (Example 29A above). The serum samples were screened by ELISA for anti-collagen antibod}' titers. There were no statistically significant effects of zc\'torl6 treatment in 100 (.Lg or 10 ug treatment groups on levels of anti-collagen antibodies compared with PBS controls. Below is a description of and-collagen ELISxA methods and materials.
Reagents used for anti-collagen ELISAs were Maxisorp 96-well microtiter plates (NUNC, Rochester, NY), chick type-II collagen (Chondrex, Redmond, WA), Super Block (Pierce, Rockford, IL), horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-conjugated goat anti-mouse IgG+A+M (H+L) (Zymed, South San Francisco, CA) and o-phenylenediamine dihydrochloride substrate (Pierce, Rockford, IL). Buffers used in all assays were ELISA B diluent buffer (PBS -t- 0.1% BSA -F 0.05% Tween (Sigma, St. Louis, MO)), ELISA C wash buffer (PBS + 0.05% Tween) and NovoD developing buffer (0.063M sodium citrate, 0.037M citric acid), H.O: (Sigma) and IN H2SO4 (VWR, Tukwilla, WA).
Approximately 100 μL of peripheral blood was collected by retro-orbital bleed into serum separator tubes (Becton Dicldnson). Serum was collected by centrifugation (2-3 min, 16,000 x g, 4-6°C) and stored at -20°C until analyzed. To determine anti-collagen Ig antibody levels, NUNC plates were coated with 10 μg/niL chick type-n collagen (Chondrex, Redmond WA) and incubated overnight at 4°C. Plates were washed with ELISA C, blocked (5 minutes, room temperature) with Super Block (Pierce, Rockford, IL), and washed with ELISA C. Diluted serum samples (diluted in ELISA B 5-fold from 1:5000 to 1:625,000) were added to ELISA plates in triplicate and the plates were incubated overnight at 4°C. After incubation, the plates were washed with ELISA C, and peroxidase-labeled goat anti-mouse Ig Fc (Zymed, 1:2000 in ELISA B) was added. The plates were incubated (room temperature, 90 minutes), rinsed again using ELISA C, and HRP activity was developed using o-phenylenediamine dihydrochloride substrate (10 mL NovoD -t- 1 tablet OPD + 10 μL H2O2, Pierce). The reaction was stopped with IN H2SO4. Relative optical density measurements of serum samples at 1:25,000 dilution were taken at 490 nm using a

Spectra MAX 190, and data were analyzed using SoftMax Pro software (Molecular
Devices Corporation, Palo Alto, CA).
C. IL-6 and SAA analysis in mouse CIA model
Day 0 serum samples were harvested from CIA mice (Example 29A above) 4 hr post administration of 25 μg LPS intraperitoneally. Samples were screened for IL-6 and serum amyloid A (SAA) concentrations by commercial ELISA lots purchased for Biosource International (Camarillo, CA) as per manufacturer's instructions.
The rL-6 levels were 9651 +/- 1563 pg/ml, 10,865 +/- 1478 pg/ml and 15,006 +/- 2,099 pg/ml in the mice groups subjected to 100 |.ig zcytorl6, 10 p.g zcytorl6 and PBS control, respectively. The IL-6 concentration in the group of CIA mice exposed to the 100 ng dose of zcytorl6 was significantly lower compared to PBS control mice with p = 0351. Statistical significance was calculated using Fisher's PLSD with a significance level of 5% (ABACUS Concepts, INC, Berkeley, CA).
In addition, SAA concentrations were 381 -1-/-40 μg/ml, 348 4-/- 37 |i,g/ml and 490 +/- 50 ).ig/ml in the mice groups subjected to 100 ).ig zcytorl6, 10 ^ig zcytorl6 and PBS control groups, respectively. The SAA concentration in the group of CIA mice exposed to the 10 jxg dose of zcytorl6 was significantly lower compared with PBS control mice with p = .0257. Statistical significance was calculated using Fisher's PLSD with a significance level of 5% (ABACUS Concepts, INC, Berkeley, CA).
Example 30 Expression of IL-TIF receptor. Zcytorl 1, in the DSS mouse model
Quantitative RT-PCR was performed to measure expression levels of mouse zcytorl 1 in the colons of mice with DSS-induced IBD (Example 25). RNA was isolated from normal mouse colon and from the distal colons of DSS-treated mice from treatment days 2, 7 and 10. RT-PCR was performed using Applied Biosystems 7700 TaqMan instrument and protocols. Briefly, "Primer Express" software was used to designed primers against the mouse zcytorl 1 sequence (ZC39776 (SEQ ID NO;54) and ZC39777 (SEQ ID NO:55)) and a FAM/TAMRA labeled TaqMan probe (ZC38752 (SEQ ID NO:56)) according to Applied Biosystems guidelines. 25ng of RNA was

added to each reaction, along with PE/Applied Biosystems TaqMan EZ RT-PCR Core Reagents and the abofe mentioned primers and probe. RT-PCR reactions were run in duplicate under the following conditions: 50"C for 2 minutes, 60°C for 30 minutes, 95°C for 5 minutes, 40 cycles of 94°C for 20 seconds and 60°C for 1 minute. Expression values were compared to a standard curve of known numbers of molecules of a synthetic mouse zcytorll RNA transcript, and expression is reported as absolute number of molecules of mouse zcytorll per reaction. Preliminary data suggests that mouse zcytorl 1 expression may be slightly down-regulated in the distal colons of day 7 and day 10 mice with DSS-induced IBD when compared to expression levels in normal mouse colon.
Example 31 IL-TIF and Proinflammatory lindicators in mild endotoxemia model: LPS-induced
endotoxemia mouse model A. LPS-induced endotoxemia mouse model: Assessment proinflammatory cytokines and body temperature in the LPS-induced endotoxemia mouse model
An in vivo experiment was designed to examine the effect of zcytorl6 in a mouse LPS model of mild endotoxemia. To initially assess the model, we measured proinflammatory cytokines and body temperature to collect reference data for the model.
Briefly, six month Balb/c (CRL) female mice were injected with 25 \ig LPS (Sigma) in sterile PBS intraperitoneally (IP). Serum samples were collected at 0, 1, 4, 8, 16, 24, 48 and 72 hr from groups of 8 mice for each time point. Serum samples were assayed for inflammatory cytokine levels. EL-lb, IL-6, TNFa, IL-10 and serum amyloid A protein (SAA) levels were measured using commercial ELISA Idts purchased from Biosource International (Camarillo, CA).
TNFa levels peaked to 4000pg/ml and IL-10 levels were 341 pg/ml at 1 hr post LPS injection. At 4 hr post LPS injection, IL-6, EL-lb and IL-10 were 6,100 pg/ml, 299 pg/ml and 229 pg/ml, respectively. The SAA levels in serum were 0.405 mg/ml by 4 hr post LPS injection. SAA concentrations in serum continued to increase to 3.9 mg/ml by 24 hr post LPS, however SAA levels greater than 1 to 2 mg/ml in

serum are difficult to measure accurately or reproducibly with the existing ELISA kit due to interactions between SAA and other serum components. These results indicated that proinflammatory cytokines, in addition to IL-TEF (Example 3IB), were indeed produced in this model. Thus the following criteria were established as biological markers for the LPS model of mild endotoxemia: TNFa serum levels 1 hr post LPS, IL-6 serum levels 4 hr post LPS and SAA serum levels 4 and 8 hr post LPS.
Body temperatures in a separate group of animals were monitored by surgically implanted telemetry devices over the course of the 72 hr experiment. Body temperatures in mice dropped maximally by 2°C from 37.07 "C to 34.98 °C 30 minutes after LPS injection.
Injection of 100 ug zcytorl6-Fc fusion protein 30 minutes prior to the LPS injection significantly reduced about 50% of the SAA induction at 4hr and 8hr time point, while 10 ug zcytorl6-Fc did not have significant effect. There is no significant change to the TNF-alpha and EL-6 level. Zcytorl6-Fc injection reduced neutrophil count in circulation at Ihr time point. It showed the administration of zcytorl6-Fc can neutralize zcytolS activity in terms of SAA induction.
B. Detection of IL-TIF Activity in Mouse Serum from LPS-induced endotoxemia mouse model using BaF3/CRF2-4/zcvtorl I cells in an Alamar Blue Proliferation Assay
BaF3/CRF2-4/zcytorll cells, described herein, were spun down and washed in PBS 2 times to ensure the removal of the mIL-3, and then spun a third time and re-suspended in the complete media (RPMI 1640, 10%FBS, 1% GlutaMAX, 1% Sodium Pyruvate), but without mIL-3 (hereinafter referred to as "mIL-3 free media"). Cells were then counted in a hemocytometer. Cells were plated in a 96-well format at 5000 cells per well in a volume of 100 |J,1 per well using the mIL-3 free media.
Serum from the LPS-induced endotoxemia mice from the experiment described in Example 31A above, was diluted to 2% in mIL-3 free media on the top row of the plate and then diluted serially 1:2 down the remaining 7 rows on the 96-well plate, leaving a volume of 100 |.il in each well. This was then added to the 100 μl of cells, for final serum concentrations of 1%, 0.5%, 0.25%, 0.125%, 0.063%, 0.031%, 0.016%, and 0.018% in a total assay volume of 200 (,LI. The assay plates were incubated

at 37°C, 5% CO2 for 4 days at which time Alamar Blue (Accumed, Chicago, EL) was added at 20 μl/well. Plates were again incubated at 37°C, 5% CO2 for 16 hours. Alamar Blue gives a fluourometric readout based on number of live cells, and is thus a direct measurement of cell proliferation in comparison to a negative control. Plates were read on the Wallac Victor 2 1420 Multilabel Counter (Wallac, Turku, Finland) at wavelengths 530 (Excitation) and 590 (Emmssion).
Results showed no significant proliferation above background levels in the 0 hour, 1 hour, 8 hour, and 16 hour time points. Serum samples from the 4 hour time point showed 4-fold to greater than 10-fold increases in proliferation above background, indicating the presence of IL-TIF in those samples.
C. LPS-induced endotoxemia mouse model: Experiment to assess effects ofzcvtorlG
The ability of zcytorl6 treatment to effect proinflammatory indicators induced with a single 25 \ig LPS dose IP in mice was tested. All samples were analyzed for SAA, IL-TIF and circulating neutrophil counts. Subsets from each group were analyzed for particular cytokine levels (1 hour samples were screened for TNF alpha, 4 hour samples were analyzed for IL-6). Animals were sacrificed at indicated time points in Table 17 below and whole blood and serum were collected and aliquoted for analysis.
72 Bl/6 female mice (CRL) were given a single ff dose of zcytorl6 as described in Table 17, below. Control mice were C57B1/6 (CRL).
30 minutes later, they received another IP injection of 25 |J.g LPS (Sigma) in 100 ^.1, to initiate an endotoxemia cascade. Mice in each group were sacrificed at corresponding time points as indicated in Table 17, 50 p.1 whole blood were collected to measure total numbers of circulating neutrophils and the rest were spun for serum and aliquoted for various assays described herein.



D. Zcytorl6/Fc4 neutralizes SAA induction in vivo; SAA ELISA showing SAA Expression induced by LPS in LPS-induced endotoxemia mouse model is inhibited by zcytorl6-Fc4 injection:
To assess whether zcytorl6 could inhibit the SAA induction in the LPS-induced endotoxemia mouse model, mice were injected with Zcytorl6, 30 minutes prior to LPS injection, as shown in Table 17 in Example 31C above.
An ELISA to determine SAA levels in the 4 hour and 8 hour samples was performed using the Mouse SAA Immunoassay Kit (BioSource International,

Califomia) following the manufacturer's directions. At the 4 hour time point, mice treated with 100μg or 10[.Lg of Zcytorl6 showed a dose-dependant, statistically significant reduction in SAA levels relative to the PBS injected mice. At the 8 hour time point, mice treated with I00μg, continued to show a statistically significant reduction in SAA levels relative to the PBS injected mice. This indicates that the presence of Zcytorl6 is able to inhibit the induction of SAA by LPS in vivo.
Example 32 Baculovirus Expression of FlagTBXzCvtorl6
An expression vector, pzBV37L:egtNF(tbx)sCytorl6, was designed and prepared to express FlagTBXzCytorl6 polypeptides in insect cells. Expression of FlasTBXzCvtorl6
An expression vector, pzBV37L:egtNF(tbx)sCytorl6 was designed to express zCytorl6 polypeptide with an upstream 6 amino acid thrombin cleavage site and an n-terminal Flag epitope tag upstream of the enzyme cleavage site. This construct can be used to express a flag tagged zCytorl6 with an enzyme processing site directly upstream of the soluble receptor sequence, after the signal peptide has been cleaved off. A. Construction of pzBV37LegtNF(tbx)sCvtorl6
A 698 bp, FIagTBXzCytorl6 sequence fragment containing Bspel and Xbal restriction sites on the 5' and 3' ends, respectively, was generated by two rounds of PCR amplification from a zCytorl6 cDNA containing template. Primers ZC40,940 (SEQ E) NO:57) and ZC40,943 (SEQ ED NO:58) were used in the first round and primers ZC40942 (SEQ ID NO:59) and ZC40,943 (SEQ ID NO:58) in the second round. For the first round of PCR, reaction conditions were as follows: utilized the Expand High Fidelity PCR System (Boerhinger Mannheim) for a lOOul vol. reaction. 1 cycle at 94°C for 2 minutes; 35 cycles of 94°C for 15 seconds, 50°C for 30 seconds, and 72°C for 60 seconds; 1 cycle at 72°C for 5 min; followed by 4°C soak. 5ul of the first round reaction mix was visualized by gel electrophoresis (1% NuSieve agarose). Once the presence of a correct size PCR product was confirmed, the second round of PCR was set up using lul of the first round reaction as template. Conditions of the second reaction were the same as the first. 5ul of the second round PCR was visualized

by gel electrophoresis (1% NuSieve agarose). The remainder of the reaction mix was purified via Qiagen PCR purification kit as per manufacturers instructions and eluted in 30ul water. The cDNA was digested in a 35 ul vol. using Bspel and Xbal (New England Biolabs, Beverly, MA) in appropriate buffer conditions at 37 degrees C. The digested PCR product band was run through a 1% agarose TAE gel, excised and extracted using a QIAquick"^" Gel Extraction Kit (Qiagen, Cat. No. 28704) and eluted m 30ul of water . The digested FlagTBXzCytorI6 PCR was ligated into the MCS of vector pZB\'37L at the Bspel and Xbal sites. The pZBV37L vector is a modification of the pFastBacl™ (Life Technologies) expression vector, where the polyhedron promoter has been removed and replaced with the late activating Basic Protein Promoter and the EGT leader signal sequence upstream of the MCS.. 5ul of the restricdon enzyme digested FlagTBXzCytorl6 PCR fragment and apx. 50 ng of the corresponding pZBV37L vector were ligated overnight at 16°C in a 20 ul vol. in appropriate buffer conditions. 5 ul of the ligation mix was transformed into 50 ul of ElectoMAX™ DH12s™ cells (Life Technologies, Cat. No. 18312-017) by electroporadon at 400 Ohms, 2V and 25 /xF in a 2mm gap electroporation cuvette (BTX, Model No. 620). The transformed cells were diluted in 350)^1 of SOC media (2% Bacto Tryptone, 0.5% Bacto Yeast Extract, 10 ml IM NaCl, 1.5 mM KCl, 10 mM MgCl2, 10 mM MgS04 and 20 mM glucose) outgrown for Ihr at 37 degrees C and 50 [i[ of the dilution were plated onto LB plates containing 100 |,ig/nil ampicillin. Clones were analyzed by PCR and positive clones were selected, plated and submitted for sequencing. Once proper sequence was confirmed, 25 ngs of positive clone DNA was transformed into 100 ^1 DHlOBac™ Max Efficiency® competent cells (GIBCO-BRL Cat. No. 10361-012) by heat shock for 45 seconds in a 42°C heat block. The transformed DHlOBac'^" cells were diluted in 900 [i\ SOC media (2% Bacto Tryptone, 0.5% Bacto Yeast Extract, 10 ml IM NaCl, 1.5 mM KCl, 10 mM MgCli, 10 mM MgS04 and 20 mM glucose) outgrown for Ihr at 37 degrees C and 100/il were plated onto Luria Agar plates containing 50 μg/ml kanamycin, 7 |.ig/ml gentamicin, 10 |-ig/ml tetracycline, 40 μg/vnL IPTG and 200 μg/mL Biuo Gal. The plates were incubated for 48 hours at 37°C. A color selection was used to identify those cells having transposed viral DNA (refeired to as a "bacmid")- Those colonies, which were white in color, were

picked for analysis. Colonies were analyzed by PCR and positive coloriies (containing desired bacmid) were selected for outgrow. Clones were screened for the coiTect M.W. insert by amplifying DNA using primers to the transposable element in the bacmid via PCR using pnmers ZC447 (SEQ ID NO:34) and ZC976 (SEQ ID NO:7). The PCR reaction condruons were as follows: 1 cycle at 94"C for 2 minutes; 25 cycles of 94°C for 10 seconds, 50°C for 30 seconds, and 72°C for 120 seconds; 1 cycle at 72°C for 5 min; followed by 4°C soak. The PCR product was run on a 1% agarose gel to check the insert size. Those having the correct size insert were outgrown and the bacmid DNA isolated and purified. This bacmid DNA was used to transfect Spodoptera Frugiperda (Sf9) cells.
B. Transfection
Sf9 cells were seeded at 1 x lO6 cells per well in a 6-well plate and allowed to attach for 1 hour at 27°C. Approximately five }.ig. of bacmid DNA were diluted with 100 ^1 Sf-900 n SFM (Life Technologies). Twenty |.il of Lipofectamine™ Reagent (Life Technologies, Cat. No, 18324-012) were diluted with 100 μ1 Sf-900 II SFM. The bacmid DNA and lipid solutions were gently mixed and incubated 45 minutes at room temperature. Eight hundred microliters of Sf-900 n SFM was added to the lipid-DNA mixture. The media was aspirated from the well and the 1 ml of DNA-lipid mix added to the cells. The cells were incubated at 27°C overnight. The DNA-lipid mix was aspirated and 2 ml of Sf-900 II media was added to each plate. The plates were incubated at 27°C, 90% humidity, for approximately 7 days after which the virus was harvested.
C. Amplification
Sf9 cells were seeded at 1 x 10^ cells per well in a 6-well plate in 2mls SF-900n. 500 /xl of virus from the transfection plate were placed in the well and the plate was incubated at 27°C, 90% humidity, for 96 hours after which the virus was harvested (primary amplification),
A second round of amplification proceeded as follows: Sf9 cells were seeded at 1 x lO6 cells per well in a 6-well plate in 2mls SF-900II. 100 jul of virus from the piimary amplification plate were placed in the well and the plate was incubated at

27°C, 90% humidity, for 144 hours after which the virus was harvesied (Secondary amplificationV
An additional round of amplification was performed (3rd round amp.) Sf9 cells were grown in 50 ml Sf-900 II SFM in a 250 ml shake flask to an approximate density of 1 * 10' cells/ml. They were then infected with ImL of the viral stock from the above plate and incubated at 27°C for 4 days after which time the virus was harvested.
This viral stock was titered by a growth inhibition curve and the titer culture that indicated a MOI of 1 was allowed to proceed for a total of 48hrs. The supernatant was analyzed via Western blot using a primary monoclonal antibody specific for the n-terminal Flag epitope and a HRP conjugated Gt ami Mu secondary antibody. Results indicated a band of apx. 30 kDa. Supernatant was also provided for activity analysis.
A large viral stock was then generated by the following method: Sf9 cells were grown in IL Sf-900 n SFM in a 2800 ml shake flask to an approximate density of 1 x lO' cells/ml. They were then infected with 5 mis of the viral stock from the 3"^ round amp. and incubated at 27°C for 96hrs after which time the virus was harvested.
Larger scale infections were completed to provide material for downstream purification.
Example 33 In vivo effects of IL-TIF polypeptide on skin A. IL-TIF-induced acanthosis
Mice (female, C3H/HEJ, 8 weeks old; Jackson Labs, Bar Harbor, ME) were divided into three groups of six animals and one group of 4. Human BHK-produced IL-TIF was administered by constant infusion via mini-osmotic pumps, resulting in local and steady state serum concentrations proportional to the concentration of the EL-TIF contained in the pump. Alzet mini-osmotic pumps (model 2002; Alza corporation Palo Alto, CA) were loaded under sterile conditions with EL-TIF protein (A601F, 0.22 mL) diluted in phosphate buffered saline (pH 7.0) to a

concentration within the pump of 2 mg/mL for group 1 mice, 0.2 mg/mL for group 2 mice, 0.02 mg/mL for group 3 mice, or 0 mg/mL (diluent only) for group 4 mice. Pumps were implanted subcutaneously in mice through a 1 cm incision in the dorsal skin, and the skin was closed with sterile wound closures. These pumps are designed to deliver their contents at a rate of 0.5 ^1 per hour over a period of 14 days. Using this nominal rate of infusion, dose levels were calculated to be 24 pig/day, 2.4 /xg/day, 0.24 /ig/day and 0 /^g/day for groups 1-4, respectively.
At the end of the 14-day period, the mice were euthanized and an approximately 1 cm square sample of skin surrounding the pump area was collected from each mouse. The skin was fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin. Formalin fixed samples of sldn were embedded in paraffin, routinely processed, sectioned at 5 um and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. The tissues were microscopically examined in blinded fashion by an ACVP board certified veterinary pathologist. Histological changes were noted, and the severity of acanthosis (i.e. epidermal thickening) scored in a subjective manner using the following scoring system: 0-normal, 1-minimal acanthosis, 2-mild acanthosis, 3-moderate acanthosis and 4-seve.re acanthosis. In addition, the skin of selected groups was imaged with a CoolSnap digital camera (Roper Scientific, Inc., San Diego, CA) and epidermal thickness measured using histomorphometry software (Scion Image for Windows, v. 4.02, Scion Corp., Frederick, MD).
Administration of IL-TIF at 2.4, and 24 jttg/day resulted in epidermal thickening as shown by the the average acanthosis score (see s) consistently greater than observed in control group skin. Moreover, IL-TIF treated animals also had mononuclear cell infiltrates in the epidermis. These infiltrates were not observed in the vehicle treated controls.
Acanthosis scores of epidermal thickness and measurements of skin thickness (in generic units of pixels) by groups are shown in Table 18 below, as follows:
Table 18:
Group # Pump Average Measured


B. Effect of zcytorl 6 on IL-TIF-induced acanthosis
Mice (female, C3H/HEJ, 8 weeks old; Jackson Labs, Bar Harbor, ME) vvere divided into eight groups of eiglit animals each. IL-TIF was administered by constant infusion via mini-osmotic pumps, as described in example 32a. Alzet mini-osmotic pumps (model 2001; Alza corporation Palo Alto, CA) were loaded under sterile conditions with IL-TIF protein (A#601F, 0.22 mL) diluted in phosphate buffered saline (pH 7.0) to a concentration within the pump of 0.22 mg/mL for group 1-2 mice, 0.45 mg/mL for group 3-4 mice, 0.9 mg/mL for group 5-6 mice, or 0 mg/mL (diluent only) for group 7-8 mice. These pumps are designed to deliver their contents at a rate of 0.5 /xl per hour over a period of 14 days. Using this nominal rate of infusion, dose levels were calculated to be 10 /Ug/day in groups 1-2, 5 μg/day on groups 3-4, 2.5 μg/day in groups 5-6 and 0 ^g/day for groups 7-8. For each pair of groups at a given dose level of EL-TIF, one of the groups was injected three times (days 1, 3, and 5) with 0.1 mg of human zcytorl6 Fc protein (described herein) by the interperitoneal route. The other group was injected in the same fashion with vehicle (PBS).
On day 8 of the study, mice were euthanized and an approximately 1 cm square sample of skin surrounding the pump area was collected from each mouse. The skin was fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin. Formalin fixed samples of skin were embedded in paraffin, routinely processed, sectioned at 5 um and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. The tissues were microscopically examined in blinded fashion by an ACVP board certified veterinary pathologist. This study was scored in a different manner than the previous example. The number of layers in the epidermis, from stratum basalis to stratum granulosum, was determined. Based on the results, the sections were scored as follows: 0-normal (2-3 layers), 1-mild thickening (3-4 layers), 2-moderate thickening (4-6 layers) and 3-severe thickening (>6 layers).

Administration of IL-TIF at 2.5, 5, 10 /^g/day resulted in epidermal thickening (see Table 19). Moreover, IL-TIF treated animals also had mononuclear eel! infiltrates in the epidermis. These infiltrates were not observed in the vehicle treated controls. ConcuiTcnt administration of 100 μg zcylori6 (3 injections) decreased the amount of epidermal thickening in mice treated with 5 μg IL-TIF/day.
Acanthosis scores of epidermal thickness by groups are shown in Table 19, below, as follows:
Table 19:

Epidermal thickening and immune infiltrates were also observed in human psoriatic skins. The skin phenotype observed in IL-TIF subcutaneous injection further indicated the potential role of IL-TIF in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. The fact that zcytorl6-Fc can neutralize the IL-TIF induced skin phenotype suggests the potential use of other IL-TIF antagonists such as and anti-IL-TIF neutralizing antibody or soluble receptor for the treatment of psoriasis and other IL-TDF induced inflammatory diseases.
C. Effect of anti-IL-TIF antibodies on IL-TlF-induced acanthosis

The activity of an antibody to IL-TIF to inhibit the in vivo activity of IL-TIF is evaluLited in a similar manner, using the histological endpoir.t of acanthosis caused by subcutaneous infusion of IL-TIF protein. In an example of this model C3H/HEJ mice are implanted with subcutaneous mini-osmotic pumps as described in examples 33A) and 33(B) above. During the period of exposure to IL-TIF, the mice are treated by injection with the purified monoclonal antibody to IL-TIF or similarly injected with vehicle as control. At the end of the EL-TIF infusion period, slcin would be sampled from the pump area for histological analysis. Similar to the zcytorl6 soluble receptor IL-TIF antagonist, IL-TIF antagonist neutralizing antibodies of the present invention are expected to show reduction in epidermal thickening and immune cell infiltrates caused by IL-TIF, and hence be useful as EL-TIF antagonists as a therapeutic for psoriasis and other IL-TIF induced inflammatory disease.
Example 34 IL-TIF is upregulated in human psoriatic skin samples
A. RNA samples: .
Normal slcin samples as well as sldn from psoriasis patients were obtained. The latter included involved skin from stable plaque-type psoriasis and from adjacent uninvolved skin. RNA was isolated from human skin samples using conventional methods. The integrity and quality of RNA samples was tested on the Agilent 2100 Bioanalyzer (Agilent Technologies, Waldbronn Germany).
B. Primers and Probes for Quantitative RT-PCR-
Real-time quantitative RT-PCR using the ABI PRISM 7700 Sequence Detection System (PE Applied Biosystems, Inc., Foster City, CA) has been previously I described (See, Held, CA. et al, Genome Research 6:986-994, 1996; Gibson, U.E.M. et al., Genome Research 6:995-1001, 1996; Sundaresan, S. et al., Endocrinologv 139:4756-4764, 1998. This method incorporates use of a gene specific probe containing both repoiter and quencher fluorescent dyes. When the probe is intact the reporter dye emission is negated due to the close proximity of the quencher dye. During PCR extension using additional gene-specific forward and reverse primers, the

probe is cleaved by the 5' to 3' nucleolytic activity of the rTth DNA Polymerase which releases the reporter dye from the probe resulting in an increase in fluorescent emission.
The primers and probes used for real-time quantitative RT-PCR analyses of IL-TIF expression were designed using the primer design software Primer Express'^'^ (PE Applied Bi'osystems, Foster City, CA). Primers for human IL-TIF were designed spanning an intron-exon junction to eliminate amplification of genomic DNA. The forward primer, ZC 42459 (SEQ ID NO:65) and the reverse primer, ZC 42458 (SEQ ID NO:66) were used in a PCR reaction (below) at a 800 nM concentration to synthesize a 72 bp product. The coiTesponding IL-TIF probe, ZC 42460 (SEQ ID NO:67) was synthesized and labeled in house at ZymoGenetics. The IL-TIF probe was labeled at the 5' end with a reporter fluorescent dye (6-carboxy-fluorescein) (FAM) (PE Applied Biosystems) and at the 3' end with a quencher fluorescent dye (6-carboxy-tetramethyI-rhodamine) (TAMRA) (PE Applied Biosystems). C. Real-time quantitative RT-PCR-
Relative levels of IL-TIF mRNA were determined by analyzing total RNA samples using the TaqMan EZ RT-PCR Core Reagents Kit (PE Applied Biosystems). Runoff IL-TIF transcript was made to generate a standard curve used for quantitation. The curve consisted of 10-fold serial dilutions ranging from le8 to le3 total copies of whole message for IL-TIF with each standard curve point analyzed in triplicate. The total RNA samples from skin were also analyzed in triplicate for human IL-TIF transcript levels and for levels of hGUS as an endogenous control. In a total volume of 25 |U,1, each RNA sample was subjected to TaqMan EZ RT-PCR reaction (PE Applied Biosystems) containing: approximately 25 ng of total RNA in DEPC treated water (Dnase/Rnase free); appropriate primers (approximately 800 nM ZC 42459 (SEQ ID NO:65) and ZC 42458 (SEQ ID NO:66); appropriate probe (approximately 100 nM ZC 42460 (SEQ ID NO:67); IX TaqMan EZ Buffer; 3 mM Manganese acetate; 300 μ μM each d-CTP, d-ATP, and d-GTP and 600 μM of d-UTP; rTth DNA Polymerase (0.1 U/μl); and AmpErase UNG (0.01 U/μl). PCR thermal cycling conditions were as follows: an initial UNG treatment step of one cycle at 50°C for 2 minutes; followed by a reverse transcription (RT) step of one cycle at 60'C for 30 minutes; followed by a

deactivation of UNG step of one cycle at 95°C for 5 minutes; followed by 40 cycles of amplification at 94°C for 20 seconds and 60°C for 1 minute.
Relative IL-TIF RNA levels were detennined by using the Standard Curve Method as described by the manufacturer, PE Biosystems (User Bulletin #2: ABI Prism 7700 Sequence Detection System, Relative Quantitation of Gene Expression, December 11, 1997). The hGUS measurements were used to normalize the IL-TIF levels. Data are shown in Table 20below.

IL-TIF mRNA was undetectable in skin samples from normal patients or from unin\'olved areas. In contrast, there was dramatic upregulation for IL-TIF message in involved skin from psoriasis padents. These data support a strong disease association for IL-TIF to human psoriasis.
Over expression of IL-TDF was shown in human psoriatic lesions, suggesting that IL-TIF is involved in human psoriasis. Moreover, as described herein, over expression of IL-TIF in transgenic mice showed epidermal thickening and inimune cell involvement indicative of a psoriatic phenotype, and in addition injection of IL-TEF into normal mice showed epidermal thickening and immune cell involvement indicative of a psoriatic phenotype which was ablated by the soluble receptor antagonist zcytorl6. Such in vivo data further suggests that the pro-inflammatory IL-TIF is involved in psoriasis. As such, antagonists to IL-TIF activity, such as the anti-human-IL-TIF monoclonal antibodies of the present invention, as well as soluble receptors and antibodies thereto, are useful in therapeutic treatment of inflammatory diseases, particularly as antagonists to IL-TIF in the treatment of psoriasis. Moreover, antagonists to IL-TIF activity, such as the anti-human-IL-TIF monoclonal antibodies of the present invention, as well as soluble receptors and antibodies thereto, are useful in

therapeutic treatment of other inflammatory diseases for example as antagonists to IL-TIF in the treatment of atopic dermatitis, IBD, colitis, Endotoxemia, arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis, adult respiratory disease (ARD), septic shock, multiple organ failure, inflammatory lung injury such as asthma or bronchitis, bacterial pneumonia, psoriasis, eczema, atopic and contact dermatitis, and inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.
Example 35 Human IL-TIF Polyclonal Antibodies
And IL-TEF Polyclonal antibodies were prepared by immunizing 2 female New Zealand white rabbits with the purified mature recombinant human IL-TIF polypeptide (amino acid residues 22 (Ala) to 167 (He) of SEQ ED N0:3), produced from BHK cells (IL-TIF-BHK). The rabbits were each given an initial intraperitoneal (ip) injection of 200 μg of purified protein in Complete Freund's Adjuvant followed by booster IP injections of 100 μg peptide in Incomplete Freund's Adjuvant every three weeks. Seven to ten days after the administration of the second booster injection (3 total injections), the animals were bled and the serum was collected. The animals were then boosted and bled every three weeks.
The human IL-TIF-specific polyclonal antibodies were affinity purified from the immune rabbit serum using a CNBr-SEPHAROSE 4B protein column (Pharmacia LKB) that was prepared using 10 mg of the specific antigen purified recombinant protein human IL-TIF-BHK per gram of CNBr-SEPHAROSE, followed by 20X dialysis in PBS overnight. Human IL-TIF-specific antibodies were characterized by ELISA using 500ng/ml of the purified recombinant protein human IL-TIF-BHK as antibody target. The lower limit of detection (LLD) of the rabbit anti-human IL-TIF affinity purified antibody is 280 pg/ml on its specific purified recombinant andgen human IL-TIF-BHK.
The human IL-TIF-specific polyclonal antibodies were characterized further for their ability to block the cell-proliferative activity ("neutralization assay") of purified recombinant human IL-TIF-BHK on BaF3/CRF2-4/zcytorll cells (Example

22). A 50X molar excess of the human TL-TEF-specific polyclonal antibodies was sufficient to inhibit cell proliferation.
Example 36 Anti-human IL-TIF Monoclonal Antibodies
Monoclonal antibodies were prepared by immunizing 4 female Sprague-'awley Rats (Charles River Laboratories, Wilmington, MA), with the purified mature ;combinant human IL-TIF polypeptide (amino acid residues 22 (Ala) to 167 (He) of EQ ED N0:3), produced from BHK cells (IL-TIF-BHK). The rats were each given an litial intraperitoneal (ff) injection of 100 (ig of the purified human recombinant IL-TIF rotein in Complete Freund's Adjuvant (Pierce, Rockford, IL) followed by booster IP ijections of 50 |j,g of the purified recombinant protein in Incomplete Freund's Ldjuvant every two weeks. Seven to ten days after the administration of the third ooster injection, the animals were bled and the serum was collected.
The human EL-TIF-specific rat sera samples were characterized by LISA using 500 ng/ml biotinylated human IL-TIF-EHK and 500 ng/ml biotinylated louse IL-TIF, biotinylated muEL-TIF-E.coli (R+D Systems, Minneapolis, MN) ntibody targets. Three rat serum samples had titer to the specific antibody target iotinylated human IL-TIF-BHK at a dilution of 1:1E5 and to the specific antibody irget biotinylated muIL-TIF-E.coli at a dilution of 1:1E4.
Splenocytes and lymphatic node cells were harvested from 2 high-titer ats and fused to SP2/0 (mouse) myeloma cells using PEG 1500 in two separate fusion Tocedures (4:1 fusion ratio, splenocytes to myeloma cells, "Antibodies A Laboratory /lanual, E. Harlow and D.Lane, Cold Spring Harbor Press). Following 10 days growth lost-fusion, specific antibody-producing hybridoma pools were identified by ELISA ising the biotinylated recombinant protein human IL-TIF-BHK and the biotinylated ecombinant protein muIL-TIF-E.coli as separate antibody targets. Hybridoma pools )Ositive in both ELISA protocols were analyzed further for their ability to block the ;ell-proliferative activity ("neutralization assay") of purified recombinant muIL-TIF-l.coli on BaF3/CRF2-4/zcytorll cells (Example 22).

Hybridoma pools yielding positive results by JbLISA oniy or ELISA and the "neutralization assay" were cloned at least two times by limiting dilution.
Monoclonal antibodies purified from tissue culture media were characterized for their utility in an ELISA for the quantitative determination of recombinant and native human IL-TEF in mouse and human serum samples. The two antibodies selected resulted in a quantitative assay with a lower limit of detection of approximately 1 ng/ml recombinant huIL-TIF-E.coli in 100% human serum.
Monoclonal antibodies purified from tissue culture media were charactenzed for their ability to block the cell-proliferative activity ("neutralization assay") of purified recombinant huIL-TIF-E.coli or muIL-TIF-E.coli on BaF3/CRF2-4/zcytorll cells (Example 22). Six "neutralizing" monoclonal anybodies were identified in this manner. Hybridomas expressing the neutralizing monoclonal antibodies to human IL-TIF described above were deposited with the American Type Tissue Culture Collection (ATCC; Manassas VA) patent depository as original deposits under the Budapest Treaty and were given the following ATCC Accession No.s: 266.16.1.4.4.1 (ATCC [#######]); 266.5.1.2.2.3 (ATCC [#######]); 267.17.1.1.4.1 (ATCC [#######]); 267.4.1.1.4.1 (ATCC [#######]); 266.12.6.1.3.2.1 (ATCC [#######]); 266.19.1.10.5.2 (ATCC [#######].
Example 37 Immunohistochemical analysis of IL-TIF protein expression in vivo in tissue samples A. Summary
Immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis of IL-TIF protein expression and localization was achieyed using rat monoclonal antibody (Mab 266.19.1.10.5.2) raised against human IL-TIF-BHK (Example 36) in the following tissue samples: a Human multi-Normal Grid and Tumor Grid; Human pancreatitis, lung and renal disease samples; Human psoriasis skin samples; INC IL-TIF TG (expressed from the rat insulin promoter) and WT mouse pancreas; muIL-TIF-EuLCK TG and WT mouse skin sample; and DSS (WT and IL-TIF KG) mouse colon sample. Moreover the staining pattern of monoclonal antibody MAB 266.19.1.10.5.2 (rat anti- huIL-TIF-BHK) vs. polyclonal antibody (rabbit anti-human IL-TIF FL-BHK) (Example 35) was compared.

The rat anti-Human IL-TEF monoclonal antibodies MAb 266.16.1.4.4.1, and MAb 266.19.1.10.5.2 (Example 36) were tested were shown to stain the majority of BHK/human IL-TIF (>50%) but also some BHK/mouse IL-TIF cells (1-5%), and were used to investigate the tissue distribution and expression of IL-TEF in both human patient and animal model samples and used to compare the staining pattern with polyclonal rabbit antibody to confirm the results. B. Materials and Methods
Formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded cells and tissues from human sources and mouse animal models were sectioned at 5μm. The cells included BHK cells expressing either human or mouse EL-TIF and wild type as positive control and negative control, respectively. The human tissues included a Multi-tissue control slide (NormalGridTM; Biomeda, Foster City, CA) with 50 sections of various normal human tissues (e.g., brain, pituitary gland, adrenal gland, breast, kidney, heart, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, fetal liver, liver, skin, pancreas, lung, tonsil, ovary, testis, prostate, uterus, placenta, thyroid and spleen); a Multi-tissue control slide (TumorGrid'TM'; Biomeda, Foster City, CA) with 50 sections of various human tumors (e.g., lung adeno Ca., liver adeno Ca., kidney adeno Ca., colon adeno Ca., breast adeno Ca., thyroid adeno Ca., stomach adeno Ca., prostate adeno Ca., pancreas adeno Ca., ovary adeno Ca., lymphoma, melanoma, sarcoma ewings, sarcoma epithelioid, sarcoma ' MFH, sarcoma Rhabdo, carcinoid, undiff. Ca., mesothelioma, teretoma and seminoma); lung carcinoma from CHTN (Cooperation Human Tissue Network, Cleveland, Ohio); normal pancreas, pancreas with chronic pancreatitis, lung with chronic perivascular inflammation, kidneys with either multifocal glomerulosclerosis, mesangioproliferative glomerulonephritis, or sclerotic glomeruli interstitial fibrosis from NDRI (National Disease Research Interchange, Philadelphia, PA); and psoriatic skin samples from human. The mouse tissues included colons from inflammatory bowel disease animal model (DSS model disclosed herein, Swiss Webster female mice) and from zcytolO WT and KO colitis animal model (DSS mice, wild type and zcytolO knock out female mice) treated with either vehicle or 4% DSS in drinking water for 7 days; and skin samples from transgenic (TG) animal models including mIL-TIF-EuLCK TG and mlL-TIF-INS control and TG animals. One section per block/slide was stained with

hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) for histologic examination and the subsequent section were immunohistochemically stained for IL-TIF protein expression and localization.
For immunohistochemistry, the cell and tissue sections were placed on ChemMateTM Capillary Gap Plus microscope slides (BioTek, Winooski, Vermont),
dried at 60C oven for 60 minutes and dewaxed using standard conditions of 3 x 5 minutes in xylene, 4 minutes in 100% EtOH. 3 minutes in 100% EtOH, and 2 minutes in 95% EtOH. The tissue sections were then subjected to a 20-minute enzyme-induced epitope retrieval process at 37°C with pepsin (NeoMarkers Fremont CA) followed by an avidin/biotin-blocldng step done according to the manufacturers instructions
I (Zymed, South San Francisco, CA). TechMate 500^^' Automated Immunostainer and Immunoperoxidase (IP) immunohistochemical protocol with avidin-biotin-complex detection system (Ventana Biotek Systems. Tucson, AZ) were employed for the staining. The TechMate 500TM Automated Immunostainer employed the principle of capillary action and the IP protocol utilized a type of immunostaining referred to as a "sandwich" technique. The sections were preblocked with 5% normal goat serum (Vector, Burlingame CA) in PBS for 10 minutes followed by IX bufferl wash (Signet, Dedham MA) and then incubated with primary antibody against IL-TIF (MAB 266.19.1.10.5.2, rat anti-huIL-TLF-EHK (Example 36), PAS purified at 2.04mg/ml) diluted at 1:800 for 30 minutes at room temperature followed by 5X bufferl wash. The primary antibody was diluted in TechMate 500TM antibody dilution buffer (Ventana). Biotinylated goat anti-rat IgG (Vector) diluted at 1:200 plus 5% normal goat serum and 2.5% nonfat dry milk in PBS was used as the secondary-linking antibodies for 25 minutes at room temperature followed by IX bufferl wash and IX Buffer2&3 wash (Signet). The tissues sections were then subjected to a 3X7 minutes 3% hydrogen peroxide (HP) blocking (Ventana) followed by 3X buffer2&3 wash. Immunoperoxidase labeling was performed with a peroxides DAB kit (Ventana), incubating with avidin-biotin-complex (ABC) for 30 minutes followed by 5X buffer2&3 wash and diaminobenzidine (DAB) for 4X4 minutes followed by 2X buffer2&3 wash and IX water wash (Signet, Cat. No.2340). Tissues were then counter stained with methyl green (Dako, Cat.No. S1962) for 10 minutes followed by 2X

buffei"2&3 wash and 3X water wash. Control included non-immune primary sera using rat primary antibody isotype control (Zymed) to replace the primary antibody.
Immunostaining was observed using an Olympus BH-2 microscope and images were captured by CoolSNAP HQ digital camera (Roper Scientific, Tucson, AZ).
C. Results
Positive and negative control cell lines: MAB 266.19.1.10.5.2, the rat anti-hurL-TIF-BHK monoclonal antibody demonstrated positive staining on both human IL-TEF expressing BHK cells (++-I-) and murine IL-TEF expressing BHK cells (+), and no staining on the wild type BHK cells (-). All the positive and negative BHK cell lines stained with rat isotype negative control to replace the primary antibody showed no staining (-) which indicated that the antibody is specific to IL-TIF ligand. The antibody has cross immunoreactivity to both human and mouse IL-TIF.
Human tissues: Human multi-Normal Grid and Tumor Grid; pancreas, lung and renal disease samples; and human psoriasis skin samples were examined. These human tissues included 1). Brain, pituitary gland, adrenal gland, breast, kidney, heart, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, fetal liver, liver, skin, pancreas, lung, tonsil, ovary, uterus, testis, placenta, thyroid and spleen on the Multi-tissue control slides (NormalGridTM) /normal human tissues; 2). Lung adeno Ca., liver adeno Ca., kidney adeno Ca., thyroid adeno Ca., stomach adeno Ca., prostate adeno Ca., pancreas adeno Ca., ovary adeno Ca., lymphoma, melanoma, sarcoma ewings, sarcoma epithelioid, sarcoma MFH, sarcoma Rhabdo, carcinoid, undiff. Ca., mesothelioma, teratoma, and seminoma, on the Multi-tissue control slides (TumorGrid'^^)/human abnormal tissues/tumor; 3). Normal pancreas, pancreas with chronic pancreatitis, lung with chronic perivascular inflammation, lung Ca., kidney with multifocal glomerulosclerosis, kidney with mesangioproliferative glomerulonephritis, kidney with sclerotic glomeruli interstitial fibrosis from CHTN and/or NDRI; 4). Mouse tissues: INC IL-TIF TG and WT mouse pancreas were examined. Scattered cells throughout the islets in the INC EL-TIF TG pancreas demonstrated strong positive staining (+++) with Mab MAB 2'66.19.1.10.5.2 and WT pancreas showed no staining (-). Comparison of polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies. The anti-IL-TDF polyclonal antibody was

shown to be sensitive but less specific, whereas monoclona! antibody MAB 266.19.1.10.5.2 is more specific but less sensitive. It showed positive staining on human IL-TIF expressing BHK cells (+++). on murine IL-TIF expressing BHK cells (+), in various human and mouse tissue samples (+), and in the islets of INC mIL-TIF TG mice (+++). A greater percentage of the islets of the transgenics (vs. wild-type) contained positive staining. The staining in the transgenic islets was, generally distributed throughout the islet (+++) while staining in the wild-type islets was generally limited to the periphery of the islet (-!-). However, this antibody also showed non-specific staining on the WT BHK negative control cells {+). MAB 266.19.1.10.5.2 showed positive staining on human rL-TEF expressing BHK cells (+-f-l-), on murine IL-TIF expressing BHK cells (+), and in the islets of INC mlL-TIF TG mice (+++). The staining in the transgenic islets was generally distributed throughout the islet {+++) while the wild-type islets demonstrated negative staining (-).
From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that, although specific embodiments of the invention have been described herein for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not limited except as by the appended claims.


CLAIMS
What is claimed is:
1. A method of producing an antibody to a polypeptide comprising: inoculating an animal with a polypeptide from the group of:
(a) a polypeptide consisting of 30 to 144 amino acids, wherem the polypeptide
is identical to a contiguous sequence of amino acids in SEQ ID N0:3 from amino acid
number 23 (Gly) to amino acid number 779 (Thr);
(b) a polypeptide consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:3 from amino acid number 23 (Pro), to amino acid number 167 (He);
(c) a polypeptide consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID N0:3 from amino acid number 1 (Met), to amino acid number 167 (He);
(d) a polypeptide consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID N0:2 from amino acid number 1 (Met), to amino acid number 179 (He).;

(e) a polypeptide consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID N0:3 from amino acid number 29 (Arg) to amino acid number 34 (Asn);
(f) a polypeptide consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID N0:3 from amino acid number 121 (His) to amino acid number 126 (Asp);
(g) a polypeptide consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID N0:3 from amino acid number 134 (Gln) to amino acid number 139 (Thr);
(h) a polypeptide consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:3 from amino acid number 137 (Lys) to amino acid number 142 (Lys);
(i) a polypeptide consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID N0:3 from amino acid number 145 (Glu) to amino acid number 150 (Lys);
(j) a polypeptide consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ED N0:3 from amino acid number 41 (Thr), to amino acid number 53 (Leu);
(k) a polypeptide consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID N0:3 from amino acid number 80 (Met) to amino acid number 91 (Val);
(1) a polypeptide consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID N0:3 from amino acid number 103 (Met) to amino acid number 116 (Arg);

(m) a polypeptide consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID N0:3 from amino acid number 149 (He) to amino acid number 162 (Leu);
(n) a polypeptide consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID N0:3 from amino acid number 28 (Cys) to amino acid number 35 (Phe); and
(o) a polypeptide consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID N0:3 from amino acid number 52 (Ser) or 55 (Asp) to amino acid number 59 (Asp) or 62 (Leu);
(p) a polypeptide consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID N0:3 from amino acid number 94 (Pro) or 95 (Gin) to amino acid number 100 (Gin) or 103 (Met);
(q) a polypeptide consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID N0:3 from amino acid number 113 (Leu) to amino acid number 118 (Ser) or 119 (Thr);
(r) a polypeptide consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID N0:3 from amino acid number 123 (Glu) to amino acid number 126 (Asp) or 128 (His);
(s) a polypeptide consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID N0:3 from amino acid number 134 (Gin) or 144 (Gly) to amino acid number 147 (Gly);
(t) a polypeptide consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:34
(u) a polypeptide consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:35;
(v) a polypeptide consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:36; and
wherein the polypeptide elicits an immune response in the animal to produce the antibody; and
isolating the antibody from the animal; and
wherein the antibody specifically binds to an IL-TIF polypeptide; and inhibits the pro-inflammatory activity of the polypeptide of SEQ ID N0:2 or SEQ ID N0:3.
2. An antibody produced by the method of claim 1, which binds to a polypeptide of SEQ ID N0:2 or SEQ ID N0:3.
3. The antibody of claim 2, wherein the antibody is from the group of: (a) a polyclonal antibody, (b) a murine monoclonal antibody, (c) a humanized antibody derived from (b), (d) an andbody fragment, and (e) a human monoclonal antibody.

4. An antibody or antibody fragment that specifically binds to a polypeptide
comprising a sequence of amino acid residues from the group of:
(a) the amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID N0:3 from amino acid number 23 (Pro), to amino acid number 167 (He);
(b) the amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID N0:3 from amino acid number 1 (Met), to amino acid number 167 (He); and
(c) the amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID N0:2 from amino acid number 1 (Met), to amino acid number 179 (He).; and
inhibits, diminishes or neutralizes the pro-inflammatory activity of an IL-TEF polypeptide of SEQ ID N0:2 or SEQ ID N0:3.
5. The antibody of claim 2, wherein the antibody further comprises a
radionuclide, enzyme, substrate, cofactor, fluorescent marker, chemiluminescent marker,
peptide tag, magnetic particle, drug, or toxin.
6. A method for inhibiting rL-TIF-induced proliferation or differentiation of hematopoietic cells and hematopoietic cell progenitors comprising culturing bone marrow or peripheral blood cells with a composition comprising an amount of an antibody according to claim 2 sufficient to reduce proliferation or differentiation of the hematopoietic cells in the bone marrow or peripheral blood cells as compared to bone marrow or peripheral blood cells cultured in the absence of soluble cytokine receptor.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein the hematopoietic cells and hematopoietic progenitor cells are lymphoid cells.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein the lymphoid cells are macrophages or T cells.
9. A method of reducing IL-TIF-induced inflammation comprising administering to a mammal with inflammation an amount of a composition of an antibody according to claim 2 sufficient to reduce inflammation.

10. A method of suppressing an inflammatory response in a mammal with
inflammation comprising;
(1) determining a level of serum amyloid A protein;
(2) administering a composition comprising an antibody according to claim 2 in an acceptable pharmaceutical vehicle;
(3) determining a post administration level of serum amyloid A protein;
(4) comparing the level of serum amyloid A protein in step (1) to the level of serum amyloid A protein in step (3), wherein a lack of increase or a decrease in serum amyloid A protein level is indicative of suppressing an inflammatory response.
11. The antibody of claim 4, wherein the antibody further comprises a
radionuclide, enzyme, substrate, cofactor, fluorescent marker, chemiluminescent marker,
peptide tag, magnetic particle, drug, or toxin.
12. A method for inhibiting IL-TEF-induced proliferation or differentiation of hematopoietic cells and hematopoietic cell progenitors comprising culturing bone marrow or peripheral blood cells with a composition comprising an amount of an antibody according to claim 4 sufficient to reduce proliferation or differentiation of the hematopoietic cells in the bone marrow or peripheral blood cells as compared to bone marrow or peripheral blood cells cultured in the absence of soluble cytokine receptor.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the hematopoietic cells and hematopoietic progenitor cells are lymphoid cells.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the lymphoid cells are macrophages or T cells.
15. A method of reducing IL-TIF-induced inflammation comprising administering to a mammal with inflammation an amount of a composition of a an antibody according to claim 4 sufficient to reduce inflammation.

16. A method of suppressing an inflammatory response in a mammal with
inlammation comprising:
(1) determining a level of serum amyloid A protein;
(2) administering a composition comprising an antibody according to claim 4 1 an acceptable pharmaceutical vehicle;
(3') determining a post administration level of serum amyloid A protein;
(4) comparing the level of serum amyloid A protein in step (1) to the level of erum amyloid A protein in step (3), wherein a lack of increase or a decrease in serum myloid A protein level is indicative of suppressing an inflammatory response.
17. A method for detecting a cancer in a patient, comprising:
obtaining a tissue or biological sample from a patient;
incubating the tissue or biological sample with an antibody of claim 1 under onditions wherein the antibody binds to its complementary polypeptide in the tissue or iological sample;
visualizing the antibody bound in the tissue or biological sample; and
comparing levels of antibody bound in the tissue or biological sample from the atient to a normal control tissue or biological sample,
wherein an increase in the level of antibody bound to the patient tissue or liological sample relative to the normal control tissue or biological sample is indicative of a ancer in the patient.
18. A method of treating a mammal afflicted with an inflammatory disease in
vhich IL-TIF or serum amyloid A plays a role, comprising:
administering an antagonist of IL-TIF or serum amyloid A to the mammal uch that the inflammation is reduced, wherein the antagonist is from the group of an mtibody or binding polypeptide that specifically binds a polypeptide or polypeptide fragment ofIL-TIF(SEQ ID NO:3).

19. A method of claim 18, wherein the disease is a chronic inflammatory disease.
20. A method of claim 19, wherein the disease is a chronic inflammatory disease from the group of:

(a) inflammatory bowel disease;
(b) ulcerative colitis;
(c) Crohn's disease;
(d) arthritis; and
(e) psoriasis.

21. A method of claim 18, wherein the disease is an acute inflammatory disease.
22. A method of claim 21, wherein the disease is an acute inflammatory disease from the group of:

(a) endotoxemia;
(b) septicemia;
(c) toxic shock syndrome; and
(d) infectious disease.
23. A method of claim 18, wherein the antibody further comprises a
radionuclide, enzyme, substrate, cofactor, fluorescent marker, chemiluminescent marker,
peptide tag, magnetic particle, drug, or toxin.
24. An antibody comprising a monoclonal antibody that that binds to an
epitope of human IL-TIF (SEQ ID N0:3) from the group of:
(a) an epitope consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:3 from amino acid number 28 (Cys) to amino acid number 35 (Phe);
(b) an epitope consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:3 from amino acid number 52 (Ser) or 55 (Asp) to amino acid number 59 (Asp) or 62 (Leu);

(c) an epitope consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:3 from amino acid number 113 (Leu) to amino acid number 118 (Ser) or 119 (Thr):
(d) an epitope consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID N0:3 from amino acid number 123 (Glu) to amino acid number 126 (Asp) or 128 (His)
(0 an epitope consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:3 from amino acid number 134 (Gln) or 144 (Gly) to amino acid number 147 (Gly);
(g) an epitope consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ DI NO:3 from amino acid number 49 (Lys) to amino acid number 77 (Cys);
(h) an epitope consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:3 from amino acid number 89 (Glu) to amino acid number 101 (Pro), and further comprising a Cys at the N-terminus or C-terminus; and
(i) an epitope consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:3 from amino acid number 132 (Asn) to amino acid number 145 (Glu), and further comprising a Cys at the N-terminus or C-terminus; and
wherein the antibody neutralizes the pro-inflammatory activity of the human EL-TIF polypeptide of SEQ ID N0:2 or SEQ ID NO-.3.
25. An antibody of claim 24, wherein the antibody further comprises a radionuclide, enzyme, substrate, cofactor, fluorescent marker, chemiluminescent marker, peptide tag, magnetic particle, drug, or toxin.
26. The antibody of claim 24, wherein the antibody is from the group of: (a) a murine monoclonal antibody, (b) a humanized antibody derived from (a), (c) an antibody fragment, and (d) a human monoclonal antibody.
27. An antibody comprising a monoclonal antibody produced from a
hybridoma from the group of:
(a) the hybridoma clone 266.16.1.4.4.1 (ATCC [#######]);
(b) the hybridoma clone 266.5.1.2.2.3 (ATCC [#######]);
(c) the hybridoma clone 267.17.1.1.4.1 (ATCC [#######]);
(d) the hybridoma clone 267.4.1.1.4.1 (ATCC [#######]);

(e) the hybridoma clone 266.12.6,1.3.2.1 (ATCC [#######] ; and (e) the hybridoma clone 266.19.1.10.5.2 (ATCC [#######].
28. An antibody of claim 27, wherein the antibody further comprises a radionuclide, enzyme, substrate, cofactor, fluorescent marker, chemiluminescent marker, peptide tag, magnetic particle, drug, or toxin.
29. The antibody of claim 27, wherein the antibody is from the group of: (a) a murine monoclonal antibody, (b) a humanized antibody derived from (a), and (c) an antibody fragment..
30. A method of treating a pathological condition in a subject associated with IL-TIF activity comprising administering an effective amount of the antibody of claim 27, thereby treating said pathological condition.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein said pathological condition is a chronic inflammatory condition.
32. The method of claim 31, wherein said chronic inflammatory condition is from the group of:

(a) inflammatory bowel disease;
(b) ulcerative colitis;
(c) Crohn's disease;
(d) arthritis; and
(e) psoriasis.
33. The method of claim 30, wherein said pathological condition is an acute
inflammatory condition.
34. The method of claim 33, wherein said acute inflammatory condition is
from the group of:

(a) endotoxemia;
(b) septicemia;
(c) toxic shock syndrome; and
(d) infectious disease.
34. A method of treating a pathological condition in a subject associated
with IL-TEF activity comprising administering an effective amount of the antibody of claim
24, thereby treating said pathological condition.
35. The method of claim 34, wherein said pathological condition is a chronic inflammatory condition.
36. The method of claim 35, wherein said chronic inflammatory condition is from the group of:

(f) inflammatory bowel disease;
(g) ulcerative colitis; (h) Crohn's disease; (i) arthritis; and
(j) psoriasis.
37. The method of claim 34, wherein said pathological condition is an acute inflammatory condition.
38. The method of claim 37, wherein said acute inflammatory condition is from the group of:
(e) endotoxemia;
(f) septicemia;
(g) toxic shock syndrome; and (h) infectious disease.

39. A method of producing an antibody to a polypeptide substantially as herein
described with reference to the accompanying drawing.
40. A method of suppressing an inflammatory response in a mammal with
inflammation substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying
drawing.


Documents:

2376-chenp-2004 abstract duplicate.pdf

2376-chenp-2004 abstract.pdf

2376-chenp-2004 claims duplicate.pdf

2376-chenp-2004 claims.pdf

2376-chenp-2004 correspondence-others.pdf

2376-chenp-2004 correspondence-po.pdf

2376-chenp-2004 description(complete) 1.pdf

2376-chenp-2004 description(complete) 2.pdf

2376-chenp-2004 description(complete) 3.pdf

2376-chenp-2004 descrption (complete) duplicate-1.pdf

2376-chenp-2004 descrption (complete) duplicate-2.pdf

2376-chenp-2004 descrption (complete) duplicate.pdf

2376-chenp-2004 drawings.pdf

2376-chenp-2004 form-1.pdf

2376-chenp-2004 form-18.pdf

2376-chenp-2004 form-26.pdf

2376-chenp-2004 form-3.pdf

2376-chenp-2004 form-5.pdf

2376-chenp-2004 others.pdf

2376-chenp-2004 othres document.pdf

2376-chenp-2004 pct.pdf

2376-chenp-2004 petition.pdf


Patent Number 229386
Indian Patent Application Number 2376/CHENP/2004
PG Journal Number 12/2009
Publication Date 20-Mar-2009
Grant Date 17-Feb-2009
Date of Filing 20-Oct-2004
Name of Patentee ZYMOGENETICS, INC
Applicant Address 1201 Eastlake Avenue East, Seattle, Washington 98102,
Inventors:
# Inventor's Name Inventor's Address
1 XU, Wenfeng 8809 25TH PLACE NE, SEATTLE, WASHINGTON 98115,
2 KINDSVOGEL, Wayne, R 6014 24th Avenue NE, Seattle, Washington 98115,
3 HUGHES, Steven, D 5530 NE 187TH ST., KENMORE, WASHINGTON 98028,
4 CHANDRASEKHER, Yasmin, A 14946 GRANITE COURT, SARATOGA, CALIFORNIA 95070,
PCT International Classification Number C12N
PCT International Application Number PCT/US2003/009075
PCT International Filing date 2003-03-24
PCT Conventions:
# PCT Application Number Date of Convention Priority Country
1 60/366,842 2002-03-22 U.S.A.