The biological effects of the cytokine TNF are mediated by binding to
receptors on the surface of cells. This disclosure describes new proteins
and polynucleotides that promote enzymatic cleavage and release of TNF
receptors. Also provided are methods for identifying additional compounds
that influence TNF receptor shedding. As the active ingredient in a
pharmaceutical composition, the products of this invention increase or
decrease TNF signal transduction, thereby alleviating the pathology of
disease.
