Train-R: a cysteine rich member of the TNF-receptor family

A polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence encoding all or a biologically active fragment of a TRAIN-R, wherein said sequence is found in FIG. 4 or 5.

A soluble TRAIN-R comprising a human immunoglobulin FC domain.

A pharmaceutical composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a TRAIN-R blocking agent and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

(canceled)

A method for identifying a ligand to a TRAIN-R polypeptide comprising the steps of (a) providing a TRAIN-R polypeptide, or a biologically active fragment thereof;

• (b) labeling said TRAIN-R polypeptide or fragment thereof with a detectable label;
• (c) screening to detect a ligand which binds to the detectably labeled TRAIN-R or fragment thereof, wherein said TRAIN-R polyeptide, or fragment thereof, is encoded by a DNA comprising a nucleic acid selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:
• 5, 6, 7, 8 and fragments thereof.

A method of expressing a gene in a mammalian cell comprising the steps of:

• (a) introducing DNA encoding a TRAIN-R poly3eptide or biologically active fragment thereof into a cell;
• (b) allowing said cell to live under conditions such that the gene is expressed, wherein said DNA is selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:
• 5, 6, 7, 8 and fragments thereof.