B7 FAMILY MEMBER zB7H6 AND RELATED COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS

Abstract

Disclosed is a newly identified B7 family member, zB7H6, which functions as a counter-receptor for the NK cell triggering receptor, NKp30. Methods and compositions for modulating NKp30-mediated NK cell activity based on the interaction of zB7H6 with NKp30, as well as related screening methods, are also disclosed. Further disclosed are anti-zB7H6 antibodies as well as antibody-drug conjugates comprising an anti-zB7H6 antibody conjugated to a therapeutic agent, including methods for using such antibodies and antibody-drug conjugates to exert therapeutic effects against zB7H6-expressing cells.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An isolated antibody that specifically binds to the extracellular domain of zB7H6, wherein the extracellular domain of zB7H6 is residues 25-266 of SEQ ID NO: 2, and further wherein said antibody comprises an Fc region having at least one of ADCC activity and CDC activity. 
     
     
         2 . The antibody of  claim 1 , which is a monoclonal antibody. 
     
     
         3 . The antibody of  claim 2 , which is a human monoclonal antibody or a humanized monoclonal antibody. 
     
     
         4 . The antibody of  claim 2 , which is a single chain antibody. 
     
     
         5 . An antibody of  claim 2 , wherein the Fc region is a single chain Fc (scFc). 
     
     
         6 . A pharmaceutical composition comprising an antibody of  claim 1  and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. 
     
     
         7 . A pharmaceutical composition comprising an antibody of  claim 2  and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. 
     
     
         8 . A pharmaceutical composition comprising an antibody of  claim 3  and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. 
     
     
         9 . A pharmaceutical composition comprising an antibody of  claim 4  and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. 
     
     
         10 . A pharmaceutical composition comprising an antibody of  claim 5  and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.