Antibodies to analogs of macrophage stimulating protein and uses thereof

Abstract

Antibodies that specifically bind to Macrophage Stimulating Protein (MSP) analogs are provided. In certain embodiments, these antibodies may be used, for example, to detect MSP analogs in tissues when such analogs are used therapeutically.

1 - 37 . (Cancelled).  
     
     
         38 . An antibody or fragment thereof, which specifically binds to a macrophage stimulating protein (MSP) analog comprising at least one unpaired cysteine residue substituted with another amino acid, and which does not bind to wild-type MSP.  
     
     
         39 . The antibody or fragment according to  claim 38 , which is a monoclonal antibody.  
     
     
         40 . The antibody or fragment according to  claim 38 , which specifically binds to an MSP analog having a cysteine residue at position 677 of SEQ ID NO: 1 substituted with another amino acid.  
     
     
         41 . The antibody or fragment according to  claim 38 , which specifically binds to an MSP analog having a cysteine residue at position 672 of SEQ ID NO: 2 substituted with another amino acid.  
     
     
         42 . The antibody or fragment according to  claim 38 , which specifically binds to an analog of human MSP.  
     
     
         43 . The antibody or fragment according to  claim 38 , further comprising a detectable label conjugated to said antibody or fragment.  
     
     
         44 . A method for detecting the presence of a macrophage stimulating protein (MSP) analog in a biological sample, comprising: 
 incubating the sample with the antibody according to  claim 38  under conditions that allow binding of the antibody to the MSP analog, and    detecting the bound antibody.