Abstract:
The present invention relates to L genes and gene products that are differentially expressed in cancer tissues and cell lines. In a particular aspect of the invention, L genes and gene products are differentially expressed in lung cancer tissues and cell lines. In accordance with the present invention, L nucleic acid sequences, amino acid sequences and antibodies thereto, and methods of use thereof are presented. The L molecules and methods of the invention may be used to monitor expression levels of L genes, wherein the detection of aberrant levels of L molecules provides a positive diagnostic indicator of lung cancer and/or other L gene associated cancers and a useful prognostic indice of the state of such diseases. Also provided are compounds capable of modulating an L molecule mediated activity, which are identified using the L molecules and methods of the invention. Such L molecule modulating compounds may be used efficaciously to treat patients with lung cancer, or other L antigen positive cancers.