A novel hepatoma transmembrane kinase receptor ligand (Htk ligand) which binds to, and activates, the Htk receptor is disclosed. As examples, mouse and human Htk ligands have been identified in a variety of tissues using a soluble HtkFc fusion protein. The ligands have been cloned and sequenced. The invention also relates to nucleic acids encoding the ligand, methods for production and use of the ligand, and antibodies directed thereto.
HTK LIGAND