Antibody therapy for use in the digestive tract

Abstract

In accordance with the invention, the development and use of antibodies within the digestive tract is provided. Antibodies are described that are used to treat disorders associated with altered permeability of the digestive tract. Antibodies are described with increased stability within the environment of the digestive tract. Antibodies are described with enhanced permeability to a compromised digestive tract.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A stabilized antibody for topical administration to the digestive tract. 
     
     
         2 . The stabilized antibody of  claim 1 , wherein the stabilized antibody is a recombinant antibody comprising a hinge region sequence from bovine IgG1. 
     
     
         3 . The stabilized antibody of  claim 2 , further comprising a CH1 domain and a CH2 domain of bovine IgG1. 
     
     
         4 . The stabilized antibody of  claim 3 , further comprising at least one N-linked carbohydrate. 
     
     
         5 . The stabilized antibody of  claim 4 , comprising at least one N-glycosylneuraminic acid residue. 
     
     
         6 . The stabilized antibody of  claim 2 , wherein the hinge region sequence from bovine IgG1 comprises a sequence selected from: DPRCKTTCDCCPPPELPGG and DPTCKPSPCDCCPPPELPGG.