The present invention relates to a receptor molecule which binds to TNF
comprising all or a functional portion of the extracellular domain (ECD)
of two or more TNF-Rs linked via one or more polypeptide linkers. The
receptor can further comprise a signal peptide of a secreted protein,
such as the signal peptide of the extracellular domain of the TNF-R or
the signal peptide of a cytokine. The invention also relates to isolated
DNA encoding a receptor molecule which binds to TNF, comprising two or
more sequences encoding all or a functional portion of the ECD of TNF-Rs
linked via one or more sequences encoding a polypeptide linker. The
invention further relates to a method of making a construct which
expresses all or a functional portion of the ECD of two or more TNF-Rs
linked via one or more polypeptide linkers and cells which express the
construct. The invention also relates to a method of inhibiting the
biological activity of TNF in a host comprising administering to the host
an effective amount of a receptor molecule of the present invention. The
invention further relates to receptor molecules which bind cytokines that
bind to receptor molecules comprising more than one subunit.