Patent Evaluation: A New Approach to the Production of Human Monoclonal Antibodies

Summary

Novelty: A technique is described for the immortalization of human B-cells producing either IgG, IgM or IgA, thereby creating cell lines producing natural, human monoclonal antibodies. This technique may have major implications in the use of antibodies in human therapy where a lack of antigenicity is required. It will circumvent and simplify the current methods of humanizing mouse monoclonals.

Biology: Human blood is depleted of T-cells by rosetting and the resulting B-cell population of lymphocytes is transformed with Epstein Barr virus in conjunction with at least one of the cytokines, Interleukin-4 or Interleukin-6 plus 8-mercaptoguanosine. The cells are cloned out by limiting dilution in microliter trays and tested for antigen specific antibody production. Antibody production increases with time. IgG is produced in the largest quantities.