Recombinant cells and transgenic organisms encoding anti-CD40 proteins

Abstract

The present invention relates to methods and compositions for the prevention and treatment of cancer, inflammatory diseases and disorders or deficiencies of the immune system. The methods of the invention comprise administering a CD40 binding protein that potentiates the binding of CD40 to CD40 ligand.

1 - 16 . (canceled)  
     
     
         17 . An in vivo recombinant cell, said cell containing a recombinant nucleic acid comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding an antibody heavy chain, which heavy chain comprises a human constant domain, and which antibody competes for binding to CD40 with monoclonal antibody S2C6 as secreted by the hybridoma deposited with the ATCC and assigned accession number PTA-110, and which antibody increases the binding of CD40 ligand to cell surface CD40 on B cells by at least 45%.  
     
     
         18 . An in vivo recombinant cell, said cell containing a recombinant nucleic acid encoding a protein, said protein comprising SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 14, and SEQ ID NO: 15 and further comprising a human constant domain.  
     
     
         19 - 34 . (canceled)  
     
     
         35 . A transgenic non-human animal, plant, or an isolated cell containing one or more transgenes encoding a protein, which protein competes for binding to CD40 with monoclonal antibody S2C6 as secreted by the hybridoma deposited with the ATCC and assigned accession number PTA-110, and which protein increases the binding of CD40 ligand to CD40 by at least 45%.  
     
     
         36 - 37 . (canceled)