The present invention relates to a novel Neutrokine-a, and a splice variant
thereof designated Neutrokine-aSV, polynucleotides and polypeptides which
are members of the TNF family. In particular, isolated nucleic acid
molecules are provided encoding the human Neutrokine-a and/or
Neutrokine-aSV polypeptides, including soluble forms of the extracellular
domain. Neutrokine-a and/or Neutrokine-aSV polypeptides are also provided
as are vectors, host cells and recombinant methods for producing the same.
The invention further relates to screening methods for identifying
agonists and antagonists of Neutrokine-a and/or Neutrokine-aSV activity.
Also provided are diagnostic methods for detecting immune system-related
disorders and therapeutic methods for treating immune system-related
disorders.
