Method of inhibiting complement activation with human anti-factor c3 antibodies and uses thereof

Abstract

A method of inhibiting complement activation mediated by C3b inhibitors in a subject includes administering a C3B inhibitor to the subject to inhibit at least one of C3b binding to factors B and properdin, inhibit C3 cleavage, inhibit the activation of neutrophils, monocytes, platelets, and endothelium; or inhibit the formation of C3a, C5a, and MAC.

1 - 17 . (canceled) 
     
     
         18 . A method of treating a subject suffering from a C3b-dependent complement mediated condition, comprising:
 administering to the subject an amount of an anti-C3b monoclonal antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof effective to inhibit alternative pathway C3b-dependent complement activation and hemolysis in the subject.   
     
     
         19 - 36 . (canceled) 
     
     
       37. The method of  claim 18 , wherein the anti-C3b monoclonal antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof specifically binds to C3b protein sequences involved in C3b binding to properdin or factor B or C3b cleavage of C3. 
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the antibody or fragment thereof is a recombinant antibody. 
     
     
         39 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the antibody has reduced effector function. 
     
     
         40 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the antibody is a chimeric or humanized antibody. 
     
     
         41 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the antibody is produced in a C3 deficient transgenic animal. 
     
     
         42 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the condition is an ophthalmologic condition. 
     
     
         43 . The method of  claim 42 , wherein the ophthalmologic condition is macular degeneration. 
     
     
         44 . The method of  claim 43 , wherein the ophthalmologic condition is age-related macular degeneration. 
     
     
         45 . The method of  claim 43 , wherein the anti-C3b monoclonal antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof is administered locally to the subject's eye.