Patent Evaluation: Monoclonal antibody specific for an antigen on dendritic cells

Summary

Novelty: Ligands are disclosed which bind an antigen restricted to dendritic cells and a novel subpopulation of CD3+ cells. In autoimmune diseases, diabetes and cancers there is frequently an accumulation of dendritic cells in the affected tissues and pharmaceutical preparations for inactivation and depletion of these cells is provided.

Biology: The MRC OX-62 cell line secretes a mouse IgG1 monoclonal antibody highly restricted to rat dendritic cells and a subpopulation of CD3+ cells. This was determined by immunocytochemistry, flow cytofluorography and in vitro proliferative responses.

Chemistry: The MRC OX-62 mAb immunoprecipitated four bands from radioiodinated dendritic cells under both non-reducing and reducing conditions. A major band of approximately 150 kD, a minor band of approximately 120 kD and two lower bands of 30 kD molecular weight were observed.