Abstract: Methods of enhancing immunoglobulin fragment yield of immunoglobulins exhibiting anomalous bands when analyzed by SDS-PAGE techniques are provided. Such yield enhancement methods include the steps of desialylating the immunoglobulin; and fragmenting the immunoglobulin produced in the desialylating step. A particular advantage of the present invention is that the fragmention step can be carried out in the presence of cysteine without decreasing the quality of the immunoglobulin fragment product. Methods of enhancing the molecular weight homogeneity of immunoglobulin or fragmented immunoglobulin exhibiting anomalous bands when analyzed by SDS-PAGE techniques are also discussed. These methods include the steps of desialylating the immunoglobulin or fragmented immunoglobulin and purifying the desialylated product.

Abstract: A method for enhancing production of antibodies through immunization with insolubilized immune complexes is disclosed. Purified antigen or heterogeneous antigen mixtures may be combined with polyclonal or monoclonal antibody and the resultant complex bound to an insolubilized matrix to form insolubilized immune complexes. Methods for improving the immunogenicity of a soluble antigen and for producing monoclonal anti-iodiotypic antibodies are also disclosed. Monoclonal antibodies that are specific for a distinct, as yet unrecognized epitope may be produced by another disclosed method . Insolubilized immune complexes, comprising antigen and antibody that is ether directly linked to Sepharose.RTM. or absorbed onto insolubilized protein A, and immunosorbents, comprising antibody absorbed onto insolubilized protein A, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for enhancing production of antibodies through immunization with insolubilized immune complexes is disclosed. Purified antigen or heterogeneous antigen mixtures may be combined with polyclonal or monoclonal antibody and the resultant complex bound to insolubilized protein A to form insolubilized immune complexes. Methods for improving the immunogenicity of a soluble antigen and for producing monoclonal anti-idiotypic antibodies are also disclosed. Monoclonal antibodies that are specific for a distinct, as yet unrecognized epitope may be produced by another disclosed method. Insolubilized immune complexes, comprising antigen and antibody that is either directly linked to Sepharose.RTM. or absorbed onto insolubolized protein A, and immunosorbents, comprising antibody absorbed onto insolubilized protein A, are also disclosed.