Abstract: Novel cell surface molecules recognized by monoclonal antibodies against a cell surface molecule of lymphocytic cells that play an important role in autoimmune diseases and allergic diseases have been isolated, identified, and analyzed for their functions. The cell surface molecules are expressed specifically in thymocytes, lymphocytes activated by ConA-stimulation, and peripheral blood lymphocytes, and induce cell adhesion. Antibodies against the cell surface molecules significantly ameliorate pathological conditions of autoimmune diseases and allergic diseases.
Type:
Application
Filed:
March 11, 2004
Publication date:
August 5, 2004
Applicant:
Japan Tobacco, Inc., a Japan corporation
Abstract: Immunization of human antibody-producing transgenic mice, which have been created using genetic engineering techniques, with AILIM molecule as an antigen resulted in various human monoclonal antibodies capable of binding to AILIM and capable of controlling a variety of biological reactions (for example, cell proliferation, cytokine production, immune cytolysis, cell death, induction of ADCC, etc.) associated with AILIM-mediated costimulatory signal (secondary signal) transduction. Furthermore, it has been revealed that the human monoclonal antibody is effective to treat and prevent various diseases associated with AILIM-mediated costimulatory signal transduction, being capable of inhibiting the onset and/or advancement of the diseases.
Type:
Application
Filed:
March 10, 2004
Publication date:
July 29, 2004
Applicant:
Japan Tobacco, Inc., a Japan corporation
Inventors:
Takashi Tsuji, Katsunari Tezuka, Nobuaki Hori