Methods and reagents for inhibiting cholesterol absorption in humans mediated by pancreatic cholesterol esterase

摘要

This invention relates to the human enzyme, pancreatic cholesterol esterase (PCE), and a receptor (PCER) for this protein expressed by cells of the intestinal lining. Specifically, the invention relates to the use of inhibitors of binding between PCE and PCER to reduce intestinal uptake of dietary cholesterol in humans. Antibodies, including antisera, and monoclonal and chimeric antibodies, and cell lines producing such antibodies, raised against the PCER protein or fragments or epitopes thereof, are also provided. There is also described treatment of individuals with therapeutic drugs for the prevention of alleviation of disease states in a human related to cholesterol metabolism.