The present invention is directed to nuclear factor B (NFB)-inducing
factor polypeptides (NFIF polypeptides) which are capable of inducing NFB.
The present invention includes within its scope NFIF polypeptides, including NFIF-14b
and NFIF-7a, DNA, including cDNA, encoding these polypeptides, and expression vectors
capable of expressing NFIF polypeptides. Also included are methods and compositions
for increasing NFB induction in a patient, methods and compositions for
lowering NFB induction in a patient, methods for inhibiting inflammation,
and methods for manufacture of a medicament intended for the treatment and/or prevention
of an NFB-regulated inflammatory response. In addition, methods for determining
whether a test compound inhibits or enhances the activity of NFIF polypeptides
are provided.