Antibodies which activate an erythropoietin receptor

Abstract

Antibodies and fragments thereof which activate an erythropoietin receptor and stimulate erythropoiesis are described. Also described are hybridoma cell lines which produce the antibodies and methods and compositions for the treatment of anemia.

1 .- 26 . (canceled) 
     
     
         27 . A kit for detecting in a biological sample an erythropoietin receptor which is capable of being activated comprising an antibody or fragment thereof which activates an erythropoietin receptor. 
     
     
         28 . The kit of  claim 27  wherein the erythropoietin receptor is a mammalian erythropoietin receptor. 
     
     
         29 . The kit of  claim 27  wherein the erythropoietin receptor is a human erythropoietin receptor. 
     
     
         30 . The kit of  claim 27  wherein the antibody is a monoclonal antibody. 
     
     
         31 . The kit of  claim 27  wherein the antibody is a humanized antibody. 
     
     
         32 . The kit of  claim 27  wherein the antibody is a human antibody. 
     
     
         33 . The kit of  claim 27  wherein the antibody has a detectable label. 
     
     
         34 . The kit of  claim 30  wherein the monoclonal antibody is capable of being produced by a hybridoma cell line. 
     
     
         35 . A kit for detecting in a biological sample an erythropoietin receptor which is capable of being activated comprising an antibody or fragment thereof which recognizes an epitope on an erythropoietin receptor which is recognized by the monoclonal antibody produced by the hybridoma cell line ATCC No. HB 11689 or ATCC No. HB 11690. 
     
     
         36 . The kit of  claim 35  wherein the erythropoietin receptor is a mammalian erythropoietin receptor. 
     
     
         37 . The kit of  claim 35  wherein the erythropoietin receptor is a human erythropoietin receptor. 
     
     
         38 . The kit of  claim 35  wherein the antibody is a monoclonal antibody. 
     
     
         39 . The kit of  claim 35  wherein the antibody is a humanized antibody. 
     
     
         40 . The kit of  claim 35  wherein the antibody is a human antibody. 
     
     
         41 . The kit of  claim 35  wherein the antibody has a detectable label. 
     
     
         42 . The kit of  claim 38  wherein the monoclonal antibody is capable of being produced by a hybridoma cell line.