Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of immunology. More specifically, the present invention provides methods and compositions directed to the use of antibodies to the pancreatic zinc transporter, ZnT8. In particular embodiments, the anti-ZnT8 antibodies specifically bind the transmembrane domain of ZnT8. In more specific embodiments, the anti-ZnT8 antibodies specifically the extracellular surface of the transmembrane domain.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the fields of immunology and autoimmunity. More specifically, the present invention provides methods and compositions directed to the generation and use of antibodies to the pancreatic zinc transporter, ZnT8. The present invention also provides an isolated antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof that specifically binds ZnT8 comprising a VH comprising one of the amino acid sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOS:2, 12, 22, 32, 42 and 52. In alternative embodiments an isolated antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof that specifically binds ZnT8 comprises a VL comprising one of the amino acid sequences as set forth in SEQ ID NOS:7, 17, 27, 37, 47 and 57.

Abstract: Methods of detecting ZNT8 antibodies in serum are described. The methods include proteoliposomes comprising a transmembrane domain (TMD) and a cytosolic domain (CTD) of ZnT8 proteins exposed on the exterior of the proteoliposome; serum comprising antibodies targeting the ZnT8 proteins; and labelled captured autoantibodies that bind to ZnT8 antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention describes methods of identifying drugs for the treatment or prevention of diabetes by measuring the activity of the human zinc transporter ZnT8 and pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of autoimmunity. More specifically, the present invention provides compositions and methods useful for detecting autoantibodies. In one embodiment, a method for detecting autoantibodies to ZnT8 comprises the steps of (a) contacting in a first mixture a biological sample obtained from a patient with a ZnT8-antibody complex, wherein the ZnT8-antibody complex comprises ZnT8 and at least one detectably labeled anti-ZnT8 antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof that specifically binds to the cytoplasmic domain of ZnT8; (b) contacting in a second mixture the first mixture of step (a) with an immunoglobulin G (IgG) labeled with a tag molecule; (c) contacting the second mixture of step (b) with a solid substrate coated with a capture molecule that specifically binds the tag molecule; and (d) detecting a signal emitted from the detectably labeled anti-ZnT8 antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the fields of immunology and diabetes. More specifically, the present invention provides methods and compositions directed to the use of antibodies to quantify cellular pancreatic zinc transporter 8. In certain embodiment, the present invention provides methods and compositions directed to the use of antibodies to screen for modulators of the pancreatic zinc transporter, ZnT8. In one embodiment, a method comprises the steps of (a) permeabilizing human beta cells present in a substrate; (b) contacting the cells with a test agent; and (c) measuring the amount of zinc transporter 8 (ZnT8) using at least one anti-ZnT8 antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof.

Abstract: The present invention describes methods of identifying drugs for the treatment or prevention of diabetes by measuring the activity of the human zinc transporter ZnT8 and pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the fields of immunology and autoimmunity. More specifically, the present invention provides methods and compositions directed to the generation and use of antibodies to the pancreatic zinc transporter, ZnT8. The present invention also provides an isolated antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof that specifically binds ZnT8 comprising a VH comprising one of the amino acid sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOS:2, 12, 22, 32, 42 and 52. In alternative embodiments an isolated antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof that specifically binds ZnT8 comprises a VL comprising one of the amino acid sequences as set forth in SEQ ID NOS:7, 17, 27, 37, 47 and 57.

Abstract: The present invention describes methods of identifying drugs for the treatment or prevention of diabetes by measuring the activity of the human zinc transporter ZnT8 and pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: Methods of detecting ZNT8 antibodies in serum are described. The methods include proteoliposomes comprising a transmembrane domain (TMD) and a cytosolic domain (CTD) of ZnT8 proteins exposed on the exterior of the proteoliposome; serum comprising antibodies targeting the ZnT8 proteins; and labelled captured autoantibodies that bind to ZnT8 antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention describes methods of identifying drugs for the treatment or prevention of diabetes by measuring the activity of the human zinc transporter ZnT8 and pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of identifying a compound that has a sufficient level of binding with a target site on a mammalian zinc transporter, or a portion thereof. The method comprises (a) providing a homology model of a mammalian zinc transporter, or portion thereof, comprising at least one target site; and (b) employing computational means to evaluate the level of binding of the compound with the target site, or a portion thereof. If a sufficient level of binding is found, then a compound is identified.