Abstract: Specific binding members, particularly antibodies and fragments thereof, which bind to HLA-B27 heavy-chain homodimers, termed HC-B27, HLA-B272 or B272, particularly recognizing B272 homodimers and which do not recognize or bind HLA-B27 heterotrimers (B27) including HLA-B27 heterotrimers with ?2 microglobulin and peptide. These antibodies are useful in the diagnosis and treatment of HLA-B27 mediated conditions, particularly those associated with B272, the spondylarthritides, a group of related diseases including ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and reactive arthritis (ReA or Reiter's syndrome). The antibodies, variable regions or CDR domain sequences thereof, and fragments thereof of the present invention may also be used in therapy in combination with chemotherapeutics, immune modulators, anti-inflammatory drugs, NSAIDs and/or with other antibodies or fragments thereof. Antibodies of this type are exemplified by the novel antibodies HD4, HD5 and HD6 whose sequences are provided herein.

Abstract: The invention describes a promoter, isolated from the RP1 gene. The promoter is 10 times more active than known CMV promoters. Also described are nucleic acid molecules which are more extensive that the most active promoter described.