B7-dc binding antibody

Abstract

An antibody capable of potentiating immune responses and modifying existing states of immune responsiveness is described, as is the sequence of the antibody. Also described are compositions containing the antibody, as well as methods for using the antibody and the compositions to enhance immune responses, to enhance DC function, to modify an existing state of immune responsiveness, to immunize individuals, or to treat or inhibit conditions such as allergic asthma.

1 .- 35 . (canceled) 
     
     
         36 . An isolated antibody comprising:
 (a) a light chain variable domain amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:6, and a heavy chain variable domain amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:8, or   (b) a light chain variable domain comprising an amino acid sequence that has one or more substitutions, deletions, or additions with respect to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:6 and is at least 95.0% identical to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:6, and a heavy chain variable domain comprising an amino acid sequence that has one or more substitutions, deletions, or additions with respect to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:8 and is at least 95.0% identical to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:8, wherein the antibody competes for binding to human or mouse cells with the antibody produced by ATCC Accession NO. PTA-8932 or with an antibody having a light chain variable domain amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:6 and a heavy chain variable domain amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:8;   wherein the antibody is combined, admixed, encapsulated, conjugated or otherwise associated with other molecules, molecular structures, or mixtures of compounds selected from liposomes, receptor targeted molecules, oral, topical or other formulations for assisting in uptake, distribution and/or absorption, antigens that will elicit a specific immune response, anti-inflammatory agents, and one or more agents capable of promoting penetration across the blood-brain barrier.   
     
     
         37 . The isolated antibody of  claim 36 , wherein said antibody comprises a light chain variable domain amino acid sequence that is at least 97.0% identical to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:6 and a heavy chain variable domain amino acid sequence that is at least 97.0% identical to the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:8. 
     
     
         38 . The isolated antibody of  claim 36 , where said antibody comprises a light chain variable domain amino acid sequence that is at least 98.0% identical to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:6 and a heavy chain variable domain amino acid sequence that is at least 98.0% identical to the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:8. 
     
     
         39 . The isolated antibody of  claim 36 , wherein said antibody comprises a light chain variable domain amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:6, and a heavy chain variable domain amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:8. 
     
     
         40 . The isolated antibody of  claim 36 , wherein said antibody further comprises a light chain constant domain amino acid sequence that is at least 80.0% identical to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:7, and heavy chain constant domain CH1, CH2, CH3 and CH4 sequences that are at least 80.0% identical to SEQ ID NO:9, SEQ ID NO:10, SEQ ID NO:11 and SEQ ID NO:12 respectively. 
     
     
         41 . The isolated antibody of  claim 36 , wherein said antibody further comprises a light chain constant domain amino acid sequence that is at least 95.0% identical to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:7, and heavy chain constant domain CH1, CH2, CH3 and CH4 sequences that are at least 95.0% identical to SEQ ID NO:9, SEQ ID NO:10, SEQ ID NO:11 and SEQ ID NO:12, respectively. 
     
     
         42 . The isolated antibody of  claim 36 , wherein said antibody further comprises a light chain constant domain amino acid sequence that comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:7, and heavy chain constant domain CH1, CH2, CH3 and CH4 sequences of SEQ ID NO:9, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO:11 and SEQ ID NO:12, respectively. 
     
     
         43 . The isolated antibody of  claim 36 , wherein any amino acid substitutions within the amino acid sequence of said antibody with respect to SEQ ID NO:8 or SEQ ID NO:6 are conserved substitutions. 
     
     
         44 . The isolated antibody of  claim 36 , wherein any amino acid substitutions within the amino acid sequence of said antibody with respect to SEQ ID NO:8 and SEQ ID NO:6 are conserved substitutions. 
     
     
         45 . The isolated antibody of  claim 36 , wherein the antigen combined, admixed, encapsulated, conjugated or otherwise associated therewith is a polypeptide or fragment of a polypeptide expressed by tumors and/or pathogenic organisms. 
     
     
         46 . A composition comprising the antibody of  claim 36 , further comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. 
     
     
         47 . The isolated antibody of  claim 36 , wherein the antibody is an IgM antibody. 
     
     
         48 . A monomeric fragment, Fab fragment, F(ab)2 fragment, or single chain FV fragment of the antibody of  claim 36 . 
     
     
         49 . An article of manufacture or kit comprising the antibody of  claim 36 . 
     
     
         50 . A method for modulating immune response in a mammal comprising administering to the mammal the antibody of  claim 36 . 
     
     
         51 . A method for modulating immune response in a mammal comprising administering to the mammal the composition of  claim 46 . 
     
     
         52 . A method for treating multiple sclerosis in a mammal comprising administering to the mammal the antibody of  claim 36 . 
     
     
         53 . A method for treating multiple sclerosis in a mammal comprising administering to the mammal the composition of  claim 46 .