Abstract: This invention provides a method for identifying cells expressing a target single chain antibody (scFv) directed against a target antigen from a collection of cells that includes cells that do not express the target scFv, comprising the step of combining the collection of cells with an anti-idiotype directed to an antibody specific for the target antigen and detecting interaction, if any, of the anti-idiotype with the cells, wherein the occurrence of an interaction identifies the cell as one which expresses the target scFv. This invention also provides a method for making a single chain antibody (scFv) directed against an antigen, wherein the selection of clones is made based upon interaction of those clones with an appropriate anti-idiotype, and heretofore inaccessible scFv so made. This invention provides the above methods or any combination thereof. Finally, this invention provides various uses of these methods.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for identifying cells expressing a target single chain antibody (scFv) directed against a target antigen from a collection of cells that includes cells that do not express the target scFv, comprising the step of combining the collection of cells with an anti-idiotype directed to an antibody specific for the target antigen and detecting interaction, if any, of the anti-idiotype with the cells, wherein the occurrence of an interaction identifies the cell as one which expresses the target scFv. This invention also provides a method for making a single chain antibody (scFv) directed against an antigen, wherein the selection of clones is made based upon interaction of those clones with an appropriate anti-idiotype, and heretofore inaccessible scFv so made. This invention provides the above methods or any combination thereof. Finally, this invention provides various uses of these methods.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for identifying cells expressing a target single chain antibody (scFv) directed against a target antigen from a collection of cells that includes cells that do not express the target scFv, comprising the step of combining the collection of cells with an anti-idiotype directed to an antibody specific for the target antigen and detecting interaction, if any, of the anti-idiotype with the cells, wherein the occurrence of an interaction identifies the cell as one which expresses the target scFv. This invention also provides a method for making a single chain antibody (scFv) directed against an antigen, wherein the selection of clones is made based upon interaction of those clones with an appropriate anti-idiotype, and heretofore inaccessible scFv so made. This invention provides the above methods or any combination thereof. Finally, this invention provides various uses of these methods.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for identifying cells expressing a target single chain antibody (scFv) directed against a target antigen from a collection of cells that includes cells that do not express the target scFv, comprising the step of combining the collection of cells with an anti-idiotype directed to an antibody specific for the target antigen and detecting interaction, if any, of the anti-idiotype with the cells, wherein the occurrence of an interaction identifies the cell as one which expresses the target scFv. This invention also provides a method for making a single chain antibody (scFv) directed against an antigen, wherein the selection of clones is made based upon interaction of those clones with an appropriate anti-idiotype, and heretofore inaccessible scFv so made. This invention provides the above methods or any combination thereof. Finally, this invention provides various uses of these methods.

Abstract: Recombinant antibody constructs comprise the variable regions of the heavy and light chains of anti-GD2 antibodies. These antibody constructs may be coupled to a label such as a radiolabel or to a protein such as streptavidin or pro-drug converting enzymes for use in imaging or therapeutic applications. The antibody constructs may also be transduced into T cells to produce populations of T cells which target GD2-producing tumor cells.

Abstract: Recombinant antibody constructs comprise the variable regions of the heavy and light chains of anti-GD2 antibodies. These antibody constructs may be coupled to a label such as a radiolabel or to a protein such as streptavidin or pro-drug converting enzymes for use in imaging or therapeutic applications. The antibody constructs may also be transduced into T cells to produce populations of T cells which target GD2-producing tumor cells.

Abstract: Genetically-modified T cells with enhanced survival in vivo are obtained by transducing T cells with a recombinant polynucleotide encoding a fusion protein comprising a single chain Fv antibody (comprising the variable regions of the heavy and light chains of a selected antibody such as an anti-GD2 antibody) linked to CD28 receptor. T cells expressing this recombinant fusion protein exhibit enhanced survival when reintroduced to an in vivo environment.. These T cells can be used to induce an immune response to cells, particularly tumor cells, when express the antigen for which the antibody is specific. Cells expressing recombinant fusion proteins according to the invention can also be used for in vitro purging of stem cells/bone marrow and for in vivo targeting of tumor cells and other antigen-bearing cells for purposes of imaging.