Immunoadhesins as research tools and therapeutic agents.

An immunoadhesin is a fusion protein that combines the target-binding region of a receptor, an adhesion molecule, a ligand, or an enzyme, with the Fc region of an Ig. Immunoadhesins provide a unique tool for identifying unknown binding targets and for elucidating molecular interactions that control biological function. Recent studies suggest that immunoadhesins also may be useful therapeutically, as inhibitors of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.