Humanized immunoglobulin reactive with B7 molecules and methods of treatment therewith

Abstract

The invention relates to humanized anti-B7-2 and anti-B7-1 antibodies, wherein each comprise a variable region of non-human origin and at least a portion of an immunoglobulin of human origin. The invention also pertains to methods of treatment for various autoimmune diseases, transplant rejection, inflammatory disorders and infectious diseases by administering humanized anti-B7-2 and/or anti-B7-1 antibodies.

1 . A method for downmodulating the immune response in a subject undergoing transplantation comprising preoperatively administering to the subject at least on antibody that recognizes a B7 antigen immediately prior to surgery and postoperatively administering to the subject at least one antibody that recognizes a B7 antigen immediately following surgery. 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising preoperatively administering at least one antibody that recognizes a B7 antigen at least about four days prior to surgery. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein two antibodies that recognize at least two B7 antigens are administered to the subject. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein at least one antibody is a humanized antibody. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein a higher dose of at least one antibody is administered prior to surgery than after surgery. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising postoperatively administering at least one antibody that recognizes a B7 antigen at weekly intervals for at least about 3 months. 
     
     
         7 . A method for downmodulating the immune response in a subject undergoing transplantation comprising preoperatively administering to the subject at least one antibody that recognizes a B7 antigen and postoperatively administering to the subject at least one antibody that recognizes a B7 antigen in combination with an immunosuppressive drug. 
     
     
         8 . A method for downmodulating the immune response in a subject undergoing transplantation comprising preoperatively administering to the subject a combination of antibodies that recognize at least two B7 antigens and postoperatively administering to the subject a combination of antibodies that recognize at least two B7 antigens in combination with an immunosuppressive drug. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the immunosuppressive drug is a rapamycin compound.