Anti-ceramide antibodies

Abstract

Monoclonal antibodies directed to ceramide that inhibit apoptosis are disclosed. Humanized and scFv versions of the antibodies are also disclosed. Methods for prevention or treatment of apoptosis in a subject by administration of the anti-ceramide antibodies are disclosed.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of inhibiting apoptosis in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of an anti-ceramide antibody or antigen-binding fragment comprising a variable heavy chain (V H ) and a variable light chain (V L ), wherein
 the V H  comprises a heavy chain variable region CDR1 comprising the sequence GYTFTDHTIH (SEQ ID NO: 1), a heavy chain variable region CDR2 comprising the sequence YNYPRDGSTKYNEKFKG (SEQ ID NO: 2), and a heavy chain variable region CDR3 comprising the sequence GFITTVVPSAY (SEQ ID NO: 3), and   the V L  comprises a light chain variable region CDR1 comprising the sequence RASKSISKYLA (SEQ ID NO: 4), a light chain variable region CDR2 comprising the sequence SGSTLQS (SEQ ID NO: 5), and a light chain variable region CDR3 comprising the sequence QQHNEYPWT (SEQ ID NO: 6).