Abstract: Compositions and methods for inducing cell membrane wounding, cell permeabilization and cell killing are provided. The composition comprises a polyvalent agent that binds to a highly expressed cell surface antigen present on the surface of a cell. Preferably, the cell surface antigen is associated with the cytoskeleton of the cell. A preferred polyvalent agent is an IgM, and enhanced cell wounding and killing can be provided by the addition of a crosslinking agent. At sublethal concentrations in vivo, the cell wounding antibodies permeabilize cells and dramatically enhance response to chemotherapeutic agents, even in patients refractory to the chemotherapeutic agents.

Abstract: Formulations and methods of treating human patients suffering from a condition characterized by lymphoid cancer, autoimmune disease or B cell hyperproliferation are disclosed, the treatment comprising administering (1) a cytotoxic amount of an antibody having specific binding for CDIM epitopes on a B cell, and (2) a cytotoxic agent, including a chemotherapeutic agent, radioactive isotope, cytotoxic antibody, immunoconjugate, ligand conjugate, immunosuppressant, cell growth regulator and/or inhibitor, toxin, or mixtures thereof, including agents that disrupt the cytoskeleton of B cells, particularly vinca alkaloids or colchicine.

Abstract: A method for separating nucleated fetal red blood cells and nucleated fetal cells and maternal granular sites from maternal blood is achieved by applying maternal blood to a triple gradient gel, isolating nucleated fetal cells from the gel and binding the isolated fetal cells to a solid support by means of an anti-i antibody bound to the solid support. The separated fetal cells can then be subjected to analysis for fetal sex or genetic disorders.