Purified polypeptides having IL-13 receptor activity

1. A purified polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:4.

2. The purified polypeptide of claim 1 characterized in that it is a soluble form and comprises an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of:

(a) residues 1-336 of SEQ ID NO:4;

(b) residues 1-337 of SEQ ID NO:4;

(c) residues 1-338 of SEQ ID NO:4;

(d) residues 1-339 of SEQ ID NO:4;

(e) residues 1-340 of SEQ ID NO:4;

(f residues 1-341 of SEQ ID NO:4;

(g) residues 1-342 of SEQ ID NO:4; and

(h) residues 1-343 of SEQ ID NO:4.

3. A composition comprising, as active ingredient, a purified polypeptide according to claims 1 or 2 .