A novel pars planitis-specific circulating protein, designated P-36, having a molecular mass of approximately 36 kilodaltons is disclosed. The cDNA gene encoding P-36 has been cloned, and the nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequences have been determined. Vectors and systems for expressing recombinant P-36 are described. Also described are antibodies to P-36 and their use in immunoassays for the protein. A method of diagnosing a patient for pars planitis by determining the presence of P-36 in the bloodstream is disclosed.
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