Antigenic fusion protein carrying gal alpha1,3gal epitopes

Abstract

The present invention relates to an antigenic fusionprotein, which carries multiple Galα1,3Gal epitopes. The fusion protein according to the invention may also be comprised of a heavily glycosylated mucin part, which mediates binding to selectins, such as PSGL-1, and a part, which exhibits immunoglobulin properties, such as the Fc part of IgG. The fusionprotein according to the invention is preferably used as an absorber to prevent a hyperacute rejection of a xenotransplant, such as a pig tissue or organ transplanted into a human patient. In addition, the invention relates to a method for the prevention of a hyperacute rejection reaction in a patient who is to receive a xenotransplant.

1 . An absorber comprising a dimerized fusion polypeptide comprising a first polypeptide operably linked to a second polypeptide, wherein the first polypeptide:
 (a) comprises the extracellular portion of a P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1; and   (b) is glycosylated by an α1,3 galactosyltransferase; and   
     the second polypeptide comprises an immunoglobulin Fc region. 
   
   
       2 . The absorber of claim  14 , wherein the fusion polypeptide comprises multiple Galα1,3Gal epitopes.