Inventors:
Ann M. Lees - Brookline MA
Robert S. Lees - Brookline MA
Simon W. Law - Lexington MA
Anibal A. Arjona - Boston MA
Assignee:
Boston Heart Foundation, Inc. - Cambridge MA
International Classification:
C12P 2106
US Classification:
435 691, 536 221, 536 235
Abstract:
Isolated polynucleotides encoding novel polypeptides which are capable of binding to native and methylated LDL (low density lipoprotein), the isolated polypeptides, called LBPs (LDL binding proteins), and biologically active fragments and analogs thereof, are described. Also described are methods for determining if an animal is at risk for atherosclerosis, methods for evaluating an agent for use in treating atherosclerosis, methods for treating atherosclerosis, and methods for treating a cell having an abnormality in structure or metabolism of LBP. Pharmaceutical compositions and vaccine compositions are also provided.