Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification of macaque antibodies to human B7.1 and B7.2 by screening of phage display libraries or monkey heterohybridomas obtained using B lymphocytes from B7.1 and/or B7.2 immunized monkeys. More specifically, the invention provides four monkey monoclonal antibodies 7B6, 16C10, 7C10 and 20C9 which inhibit the B7:CD28 pathway and thereby function as effective immunosuppressants. The invention further provides the complete DNA and amino acid sequences of the light and heavy chain of three PRIMATIZED® antibodies derived from those monkey monoclonal antibodies which bind B7.1 and possibly B7.2, PRIMATIZED® 7C10, PRIMATIZED® 7B6 and PRIMATIZED® 16C10. These PRIMATIZED® and monkey antibodies may be used as specific immunosuppressants, e.g., for the treatment of autoimmune diseases and to prevent organ transplant rejection.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and kits comprising dimeric antibodies for the treatment of neoplastic, autoimmune or other disorders are provided. The dimeric antibodies of the instant invention may comprise two antibody molecules (H4L4) having the same antigen binding specificity (homodimers) or, alternatively, may comprise two different antibody molecules having binding specificity for two distinct antigens (heterodimers). In preferred embodiments the antibody molecules comprising the dimers are non-covalently associated.

Abstract: The specification provides methods of preparing high-affinity antibodies to a macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) in animals in which the MIF gene has been homozygously knocked-out (MIF?/?). Also provided are methods of preparing hybridomas which produce the anti-MIF antibodies, methods of administering the antibodies to treat inflammatory or cancerous conditions and/or diseases modulated by MIF, as well as compositions comprising said high-affinity anti-MIF antibodies.

Abstract: A method for achieving site specific integration of a desired DNA at a target site in a mammalian cell via homologous recombination is described. This method provides for the reproducible selection of cell lines wherein a desired DNA is integrated at a predetermined transcriptionally active site previously marked with a marker plasmid. The method is particularly suitable for the production of mammalian cell lines which secrete mammalian proteins at high levels, in particular immunoglobulins. Novel vectors and vector combinations for use in the subject cloning method are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antibodies, or antigen binding fragments, variants, or derivatives thereof. In particular embodiments, the present invention relates to recombinant monoclonal antibodies, specific for mouse CD20. In addition, the present invention relates to nucleic acid molecules encoding such antibodies, or antigen binding fragments, variants, or derivatives thereof, and vectors and host cells comprising such nucleic acid molecules. The invention further relates to methods for producing the monoclonal antibodies or antigen binding fragments, variants, or derivatives thereof of the invention, and to methods of using these antibodies or antigen binding fragments, variants, or derivatives thereof, alone or in combination, in animal models of disease.

Abstract: Methods and kits for radiolabeling proteins, peptides and ligands with radiolytic isotopes, particularly yttrium-90, are disclosed, whereby sufficient purity, specific activity and binding affinity are achieved such that the radiolabeled protein may be directly administered to a patient without further column purification. Such kits and methods will be particularly useful in bringing radioimmunotherapy to the hospital and outpatient setting for the treatment of cancer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification of antibodies which are specific to human B7.1 antigen (CD80) and which are capable of inhibiting the binding of B7.1 to a CD28 receptor and which are not capable of inhibiting the binding of B7.1 to a CTLA-4 receptor. Two of these antibodies, 16C10 and 7C10, significantly inhibit the production of IL-2, in spite of the existence of a second activating ligand B7.2 (CD86). Blocking of the primary activation signal between CD28 and B7.1 (CD80) with these antibodies while allowing the unimpaired or coincident interaction of CTLA-I and b7.1 and/or B7.2 represents a combined antagonistic effect on positive co-stimulation with an agonistic effect on negative signalling. These antibodies may be used as specific immunosuppressants, e.g., for the treatment of autoimmune diseases and to prevent organ transplant rejection.

Abstract: Provided are methods of separating an immunoreactive compound from at least one immaterial component, using a simulated moving bed (“SMB”) system and a SMB apparatus for use in these methods. Also provided are purified immunoreactive compounds prepared using the SMB methods and apparatus and methods of treatment with the purified immunoreactive compounds.

Abstract: A highly efficient method for generating human antibodies in particular which are specific to be RSV fusion protein which combines in vitro primary of human spleen cells and antigen boosting in SCID mice is taught. This method provides for very high human antibody titers which are predominantly of the IgG isotype which contain antibodies of high specificity and affinity to desired antigens. This method is well suited for generating human monoclonal antibodies for therapeutic and diagnostic applications as well as for rescue of human cells for generation of combinational human antibody gene libraries. Two human monoclonal antibodies, RF-1 and RF-2 which each possess an affinity for RSV F-protein ?2×10?9 Molar are taught as well as their corresponding amino acid and DNA sequences. These antibodies are to be used therapeutically and prophylactically for treating or preventing RSV infection, as well as for diagnosis of RSV in analytes.

Abstract: New clinical parameters are reported which may serve as predictors of the hematological toxicity associated with therapeutic radiolabeled antibodies, particularly those antibodies which target lymphoma cells which have a tendency to localize to the bone marrow.

Abstract: Methods for treating B cell malignancies, in particular B cell leukemia and lymphoma, using an anti-CD80 antibody alone or in combination with an anti-CD20 antibody or chemotherapy is provided. These methods result in a synergistic anti-tumor response.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification of antibodies which are specific to human B7.1 antigen (CD80) and which are capable of inhibiting the binding of B7.1 to a CD28 receptor and which are not capable of inhibiting the binding of B7.1 to a CTLA-4 receptor. Two of these antibodies, 16C10 and 7C10, significantly inhibit the production of IL-2, in spite of the existence of a second activating ligand B7.2 (GD86). Blocking of the primary activation signal between CD28 and B7.1 (CD80) with these antibodies while allowing the unimpaired or coincident interaction of CTLA-4 and B7.1 and/or B7.2 represents a combined antagonistic effect on positive co-stimulation with an agonistic effect on negative signalling. These antibodies may be used as specific immunosuppressants, e.g., for the treatment of autoimmune diseases and to prevent organ transplant rejection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification of antibodies which are specific to human B7.1 antigen (CD80) and which are capable of inhibiting the binding of B7.1 to a CD28 receptor and which are not capable of inhibiting the binding of B7.1 to a CTLA-4 receptor. Two of these antibodies, 16C10 and 7C10, significantly inhibit the production of IL-2, in spite of the existence of a second activating ligand B7.2 (CD86). Blocking of the primary activation signal between CD28 and B7.1 (CD80) with these antibodies while allowing the unimpaired or coincident interaction of CTLA-4 and B7.1 and/or B7.2 represents a combined antagonistic effect on positive co-stimulation with an agonistic effect on negative signalling. These antibodies, or B7.1-binding fragments thereof, may be used for the treatment of Crohn's disease.

Abstract: A combination antibody therapy for treating B cell malignancies using an immunoregulatory antibody, especially an anti-B7, anti-CD23, or anti-CD40L antibody and a B cell depleting antibody, especially anti-CD19, anti-CD20, anti-CD22 or anti-CD37 antibody is provided. Preferably, the combination therapy will comprise anti-B7 and anti-CD20 antibody administration.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for treating fibrosis conditions, such as liver, kidney and lung fibrosis, as well as fibrosis conditions of other tissues of the body. The methods of the invention comprise administering to a patient in need of such treatment a therapeutically effective amount of a B-cell antagonist. Exemplary B-cell antagonists that can be used in the practice of the methods of the invention include antibodies against B-cell surface antigens (e.g., antibodies against CD20), and BAFF antagonists.

Abstract: The present invention concerns treatment of autoimmune diseases with the combination of an immunoregulatory antibody, e.g. an anti-B7.1 or anti-B7.2 or anti-CD40L antibody and at least one B cell depleting antibody, such as CD19, CD20, CD22, CD23, or CD37, wherein such antibodies may be administered separately, or in combination, and in either order, over prolonged periods of time.

Abstract: Methods for clarification of cell samples using centrifugation in combination with depth filtration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification of antibodies which are specific to human B7.1 antigen (CD80) and which are capable of inhibiting the binding of B7.1 to a CD28 receptor and which are not capable of inhibiting the binding of B7.1 to a CTLA-4 receptor. Two of these antibodies, 16C10 and 7C10, significantly inhibit the production of IL-2, in spite of the existence of a second activating ligand B7.2 (CD86). Blocking of the primary activation signal between CD28 and B7.1 (CD80) with these antibodies while allowing the unimpaired or coincident interaction of CTLA-4 and B7.1 and/or B7.2 represents a combined antagonistic effect on positive co-stimulation with an agonistic effect on negative signaling. These antibodies may be used as specific immunosuppressants, e.g., for the treatment of autoimmune diseases and to prevent organ transplant rejection.

Abstract: Methods and kits for the treatment of neoplastic disorders comprising the use of a CD23 antagonist are provided. The CD23 antagonist may be used alone or in combination with chemotherapeutic agents. In particularly preferred embodiments the CD23 antagonists may be used to treat B cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL).

Abstract: Methods and kits for the treatment of neoplastic disorders comprising the use of a CD23 antagonist are provided. The CD23 antagonist may be used alone or in combination with chemotherapeutic agents. In particularly preferred embodiments the CD23 antagonists may be used to treat B cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL).