Methods of treating autoimmune diseases using a B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)
View Patent ↗A novel receptor in the TNF family is provided: BAFF-R. Chimeric molecules and antibodies to BAFF-R and methods of use thereof are also provided.
1. A method of inhibiting B-cell growth, immunoglobulin production, or both in a mammal, the method comprising the step of administering to the mammal an effective amount of a BCMA (B-Cell Maturation Antigen) polypeptide, wherein the BCMA polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence that binds to BAFF (B-Cell Activating Factor of the TNF family; SEQ ID NO:9) and is:
a) at least 95% identical to amino acids 8-41 of SEQ ID NO:1; or
b) at least 95% identical to amino acids 1-51 of SEQ ID NO:1;
and wherein the BCMA polypeptide does not comprise the transmembrane domain of BCMA (amino acids 53-81 of SEQ ID NO:1).
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the BCMA polypeptide comprises the sequence of amino acids 8-41 of SEQ ID NO:1.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the BCMA polypeptide comprises the sequence of amino acids 1-51 of SEQ ID NO: 1.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the BCMA polypeptide comprises an Fc domain of an immunoglobulin.
5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the immunoglobulin is IgG.
6. The method of claim 4 , wherein the immunoglobulin is human.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the mammal is human.
8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the mammal has inflammation.
9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the mammal has an autoimmune disease.
10. The method of claim 9 , wherein the autoimmune disease is systemic lupus erythematosus.