Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of inhibiting a mammalian C-C chemokine receptor 3 protein (CCR3). The invention further relates to methods of treating an inflammatory disease or condition. Administration of a compound which inhibits or promotes CCR3 function to an individual in need of therapy provides a new approach to selective modulation of leukocyte function, which is useful in a variety of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, or in the treatment of infections. As a major leukocyte chemokine receptor present in leukocytes such as eosinophils and lymphocytes, the receptor provides a key target for drug screening and design.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated and/or recombinant C-C Chemokine Receptor 3 (CKR-3, CCR3) proteins or polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated and/or recombinant nucleic acids which encode a mammalian (e.g., human) receptor protein designated C—C Chemokine Receptor 3 (CKR-3) or Eos L2, and to proteins or polypeptides, referred to herein as isolated, recombinant mammalian CKR-3 receptors. The invention further relates to recombinant nucleic acid constructs, comprising a nucleic acid which encodes a receptor protein of the present invention or a portion thereof; to host cells comprising such constructs, useful for the production of recombinant CKR-3 receptors or polypeptides; and to antibodies reactive with the receptors, which are useful in research and diagnostic applications. Also provided are methods of use of the nucleic acids, proteins, and host cells to identify ligands, inhibitors (e.g., antagonists) or promoters (agonists) of receptor function.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of identifying an inhibitor of a mammalian (e.g., human) C—C chemokine receptor 3 (CCR3), comprising combining (a) a compound to be tested, (b) a host cell expressing a recombinant protein comprising a mammalian CCR3, and (c) a ligand of said receptor, under conditions suitable for binding of ligand to said receptor, and detecting or measuring the formation of a receptor-ligand complex. Inhibition of complex formation by the compound is indicative that the compound is an inhibitor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated and/or recombinant nucleic acids which encode a mammalian (e.g., human) receptor protein designated C-C Chemokine Receptor 3 (CKR-3) or Eos L2, and to proteins or polypeptides, referred to herein as isolated, recombinant mammalian CKR-3 receptors. The invention further relates to recombinant nucleic acid constructs, comprising a nucleic acid which encodes a receptor protein of the present invention or a portion thereof, and to host cells comprising such constructs, useful for the production of recombinant CKR-3 receptors or polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of identifying an inhibitor of a mammalian (e.g., human) C-C chemokine receptor 3 (CCR3), comprising combining (a) a compound to be tested, (b) a host cell expressing a recombinant protein comprising a mammalian CCR3, and (c) a ligand of said receptor, under conditions suitable for binding of ligand to said receptor, and detecting or measuring the formation of a receptor-ligand complex. Inhibition of complex formation by the compound is indicative that the compound is an inhibitor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of identifying an inhibitor of a mammalian (e.g., human) C—C chemokine receptor 3 (CCR3), comprising combining (a) a compound to be tested, (b) a host cell expressing a recombinant protein comprising a mammalian CCR3, and (c) a ligand of said receptor, under conditions suitable for binding of ligand to said receptor, and detecting or measuring the formation of a receptor-ligand complex. Inhibition of complex formation by the compound is indicative that the compound is an inhibitor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for preventing pneumococcal infection. In particular, the invention relates to identification of the major reception for Streptococcus pneumoniae on activated human cells, and diagnostic and therapeutic compositions and methods based thereon. In particular, the invention relates to the discovery that platelet activating factor (PAF) receptor is an adhesive ligand for pneumococcal adherence to activated lung epithelial and venous endothelial (i.e., host) cells. Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a method for preventing or treating an infection with Streptococcus pneumoniae by administering an antagonist of platelet activating factor receptor. The invention further relates to recognition that adherence to activated cells also involves a carbohydrate ligand found on such activated cells.