The present invention discloses open reading frames (ORFs) in human genome encoding for novel IL-8-like/TMEM9 polypeptides, and reagents related thereto including variants, mutants and fragments of said polypeptides, as well as ligands and antagonists directed against them. The invention provides methods for identifying and making these molecules, for preparing pharmaceutical compositions containing them, and for using them in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases.