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: The present disclosure relates to Cell Death Inducing Molecule (“CDIM”) binding proteins and pharmaceutical compositions thereof. Particularly, the disclosure provides CDIM binding proteins that are useful in the selective depleting and killing of B cells, including neoplastic B cells as well as neoplastic cells that are not of B-cell origin that express CDIM-like antigens. In addition, the disclosure encompasses polynucleotides encoding the disclosed antigen binding proteins, and expression systems for producing the same. Further the present disclosure encompasses methods of treating patients with B cell proliferative- and mediated diseases by administering the CDIM binding proteins as well as diagnostic assays for identifying proteins that bind to CDIM. The disclosure further contemplates diagnostic assays for identifying patient populations that can be treated with the CDIM binding proteins.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to Cell Death Inducing Molecule (“CDIM”) binding proteins and pharmaceutical compositions thereof. Particularly, the disclosure provides CDIM binding proteins that are useful in the selective depleting and killing of B cells, including neoplastic B cells as well as neoplastic cells that are not of B-cell origin that express CDIM-like antigens. In addition, the disclosure encompasses polynucleotides encoding the disclosed antigen binding proteins, and expression systems for producing the same. Further the present disclosure encompasses methods of treating patients with B cell proliferative- and mediated diseases by administering the CDIM binding proteins as well as diagnostic assays for identifying proteins that bind to CDIM. The disclosure further contemplates diagnostic assays for identifying patient populations that can be treated with the CDIM binding proteins.

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: 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: Methods are provided for inducing cell death in B-cells, including neoplastic B-cells, by employing reagents that bind to a B-cell epitope. Particularly, antibodies specific for the marker can be administered to a host to induce death in B-cells to which the antibodies bind or can be used in ex vivo clinical situations to selectively remove B-cells. A B-cell specific oligosaccharide epitope useful as a B-cell marker has been identified. The ligand being recognized on B lymphocytes has no apparent similarities to any of the known pan-B cells markers. In addition, proteins which specifically bind the disclosed epitope are provided. Human monoclonal antibody 216, which recognizes this B-cell epitope, is cytotoxic to B-cells and binds all CD19.sup.+ and CD20.sup.+ B lymphocytes in human peripheral blood and spleen. Furthermore, MAb 216 does not distinguish B cells by the isotype expressed, binding IgG.sup.+ and IgM.sup.+ cells with equal intensity, and also bind all B cells regardless of their CD5 expression.

Abstract: Methods are provided for inducing cell death in B-cells, including neoplastic B-cells, by employing reagents that bind to a B-cell epitope. Particularly, antibodies specific for the marker can be administered to a host to induce death in B-cells to which the antibodies bind or can be used in ex vivo clinical situations to selectively remove B-cells. A B-cell specific oligosaccharide epitope useful as a B-cell marker has been identified. The ligand being recognized on B lymphocytes has no apparent similarities to any of the known pan-B cells markers. In addition, proteins which specifically bind the disclosed epitope are provided. Human monoclonal antibody 216, which recognizes this B-cell epitope, is cytotoxic to B-cells and binds all CD19.sup.+ and CD20.sup.+ B lymphocytes in human peripheral blood and spleen. Furthermore, MAb 216 does not distinguish B cells by the isotype expressed, binding IgG.sup.+ and IgM.sup.+ cells with equal intensity, and also bind all B cells regardless of their CD5 expression.

Abstract: Nucleated fetal cells such as nucleated fetal red blood cells are separated from maternal blood with a discontinuous triple gradient gel and centrifugation. Nucleated fetal red blood cells are collected at an interface between a gel layer having a density in the range of from 1.105 to 1.110 g/mL and the second layer having a density in the range of from 1.075 to 1.085 g/mL, and maternal granulocytes are collected at an interface between a gel layer having a density in the range of from 1.115 to 1.125 g/mL and a layer having a density in the range of from 1.105 to 1.110 g/mL. This allows separation of fetal cells for testing from the maternal blood rather than the placenta or amniotic fluid, reducing the risk of sample collection and facilitating routine testing of fetal cells for evidence of genetic defects.