Disclosed are a novel seven-pass transmembrane receptor protein found in
immature dendritic cells and a DNA encoding the same. Further, disclosed
are a replicable recombinant DNA which comprises a replicable expression
vector and, operably inserted therein, the above-mentioned DNA; a cell of
a microorganism or cell culture (transformant), which is transformed with
the above-mentioned replicable recombinant DNA; a seven-pass transmembrane
receptor protein which is produced on the cell surface of the
above-mentioned transformant; a method for screening a ligand which binds
to the above-mentioned seven-pass transmembrane receptor protein, and a
method for screening a substance which inhibits the ligand from binding to
the seven-pass transmembrane receptor protein; and an antibody which binds
to the above-mentioned seven-pass transmembrane receptor protein. The
present invention also discloses a method for the diagnosis of an
inflammatory disease, such as rheumatism, which comprises determining the
amount of the seven-pass transmembrane receptor protein expressed in human
leukocytes.
