Immunological control of beta-amyloid levels in vivo

Abstract

Disclosed herein are compositions and methods useful for controlling β-amyloid levels. In particular, the instant invention relates to an antibody that catalyzes hydrolysis of β-amyloid at a predetermined amide linkage are provided. The present invention also provides a vectorized antibody that is capable of crossing the blood brain barrier and is also capable of catalyzing the hydrolysis of β-amyloid at a predetermined amide linkage. Also provided are methods for modulating β-amyloid levels in vivo using antibodies that bind to β-amyloid. These compositions and methods have therapeutic applications, including the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

1 - 36 . (canceled) 
     
     
         37 . A method of sequestering amyloid β (Aβ) peptides in the bloodstream of a human patient diagnosed with or at risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, comprising:
 administering to the human patient an antibody that binds to a human Aβ peptide in a regime effective to sequester Aβ peptides in the bloodstream of the human patient. 
 
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 37 , wherein the antibody is raised to a human Aβ peptide. 
     
     
         39 . The method of  claim 37 , wherein the antibody is raised to an epitope within the N-terminal region of a human Aβ 1-42  peptide. 
     
     
         40 . The method of  claim 37 , wherein the antibody is raised to an epitope within the central region of a human Aβ 1-42  peptide. 
     
     
         41 . The method of  claim 37 , wherein the antibody is raised to an epitope within the C-terminal region of a human Aβ 1-42  peptide. 
     
     
         42 . The method of  claim 37 , wherein the regime effective to sequester Aβ peptides in the bloodstream of the human patient is also effective to reduce the level of Aβ peptides in the brain of the human patient. 
     
     
         43 . A method of sequestering amyloid β (Aβ) peptides in the bloodstream of a human patient diagnosed with or at risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, comprising:
 administering to the human patient a human Aβ peptide comprising an epitope within the N-terminal region of human Aβ 1-43  and an adjuvant in a regime effective to sequester Aβ peptides in the bloodstream of the human patient. 
 
     
     
         44 . The method of  claim 43 , wherein the human Aβ peptide and the adjuvant are administered together as a composition. 
     
     
         45 . The method of  claim 43 , wherein the regime effective to sequester Aβ peptides in the bloodstream of the human patient is also effective to reduce the level of Aβ peptides in the brain of the human patient. 
     
     
         46 . The method of  claim 43 , wherein the human Aβ peptide further comprises an antigenic carrier protein.