Binding partners of antibodies specific for dendritic cell antigens

Abstract

The present invention relates to the field of diagnostics, therapeutics and immunological reagents. More particularly, the present invention provides binding partners of antibodies specific for dendritic cell (DC) antigens. The present invention further provides diagnostic and/or therapeutic agent based on the binding partners or antibodies specific for the binding partners.

1 . An isolated peptide comprising the amino acid sequence:
   AX 1 KX 2 Q  (SEQ ID NO: 1)   
       wherein X 1  is an amino acid residue selected from the group consisting of L, P, and Q and X2 is an amino acid selected from the group consisting of E, Y and Q, wherein said peptide binds to CMRF44. 
     
     
         2 . The isolated peptide of  claim 1  comprising an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of AQKYQ (SEQ ID NO: 2), APKQQ (SEQ ID NO: 3), ALKYQ (SEQ ID NO: 4) and ALKEQ (SEQ ID NO: 5) which is capable of binding to CMRF44Ab. 
     
     
         3 . The isolated peptide of  claim 1  comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 2. 
     
     
         4 . The isolated peptide of  claim 1  comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs: 6 through 10. 
     
     
         5 . The isolated peptide of  claim 1  comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 10. 
     
     
         6 . An antibody or fragment or chimeric form thereof which is specific for a DC antigen and comprises the binding specificity of CMRF44Ab. 
     
     
         7 . The antibody of  claim 6  wherein the antibody is deimmunized. 
     
     
         8 . The antibody of  claim 7  wherein the antibody is deimmunized with respect to humans. 
     
     
         9 . The antibody of  claim 8  wherein the deimmunized antibody is a chimeric or recombinant antibody. 
     
     
         10 . A pharmaceutical composition for preventing or treating an immunological disease or condition in a subject comprising the peptide of  claim 1 . 
     
     
         11 . (canceled) 
     
     
         12 . A method for diagnosing an immunological disease or condition in a subject said method comprising contacting a biological sample with a peptide of  claim 1  and identifying the presence of an autoantibody which forms a complex with said antibody. 
     
     
         13 . A method for treating an immunological disease or condition in a subject said method comprising administering to said subject an immunointeractive molecule of  claim 1  deimmunized with respect to the subject. 
     
     
         14 . A pharmaceutical composition for preventing or treating an immunological disease or condition in a subject comprising the antibody of  claim 6 .