Methods and compositions for treating inflammatory bowel diseases relating to human tumor necrosis factor-gamma-beta

摘要

The present invention encompasses methods for detection, diagnosis, prevention, treatment, and/or amelioration of inflammatory bowel diseases and disorders using TNF-gamma-&bgr; and its receptors DR3 and TR6. In particular the invention encompasses methods of using TNF-gamma-&bgr;, DR3 and TR6 polypeptides, as well as antibodies, and antagonists thereto, in the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of ulcerative colitis and/or Crohn's disease. Methods of screening for antagonists of the TNF-gamma-&bgr; polypeptide, together with therapeutic uses of such antagonists are also disclosed.