Abstract: Hybrid antibodies and/or hybrid antibody fragments and methods of making them are provided. In one embodiment the hybrid antibodies and/or hybrid antibody fragments contain heavy and/or light variable regions that contain two or more framework regions derived from at least two antibodies. In another embodiment, at least two of the framework regions are classified in the same germline gene family. In one embodiment, at least two framework regions are classified in the same germline gene family member. The hybrid antibodies or hybrid antibody fragments may contain human framework regions and nonhuman CDRs.

Abstract: Hybrid antibodies and/or hybrid antibody fragments and methods of making them are provided. In one embodiment the hybrid antibodies and/or hybrid antibody fragments contain heavy and/or light variable regions that contain two or more framework regions derived from at least two antibodies. In another embodiment, at least two of the framework regions are classified in the same germline gene family. In one embodiment, at least two framework regions are classified in the same germline gene family member. The hybrid antibodies or hybrid antibody fragments may contain human framework regions and nonhuman CDRs.

Abstract: Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria or other hemolytic diseases are treated using a compound which binds to or otherwise blocks the generation and/or the activity of one or more complement components, such as, for example, a complement-inhibiting antibody.

Abstract: This disclosure provides methods and compositions for inhibiting immune responses. The disclosure also provides methods and compositions for inhibiting graft rejection and promoting or prolonging graft survival.

Abstract: The use of a therapeutic capable of inhibiting complement, e.g., an anti-C5 antibody, to treat antibody mediated neuropathies is disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of prolonging survival of allotransplanted cells, tissues or organs are presented. These methods are directed to administering to the allograft recipient an inhibitor of complement activity together with one or more immunosuppressants and/or immunosuppressive methods. The inhibitor of complement activity is administered chronically. These methods have been determined to aid in preventing chronic rejection of allografts. These methods can additionally be used in cases in which the recipient has been presensitized to the allograft or in which there is an ABO mismatch between the allograft and the recipient.

Abstract: Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria or other hemolytic diseases are treated using a compound which binds to or otherwise blocks the generation and/or the activity of one or more complement components, such as, for example, a complement-inhibiting antibody.

Abstract: Eculizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody against C5 that inhibits terminal complement activation, showed activity in a preliminary 12-week open-label trial in a small cohort of patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH). The present study examined whether chronic eculizumab therapy could reduce intravascular hemolysis, stabilize hemoglobin levels, reduce transfusion requirements, and improve quality of life in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, multi-center global Phase III trial. It has been found that eculizumab stabilized hemoglobin levels, decreased the need for transfusions, and improved quality of life in PNH patients via reduced intravascular hemolysis. Chronic eculizumab treatment appears to be a safe and effective therapy for PNH.

Abstract: The use of therapeutics capable of inhibiting complement such as an anti-C5 antibody to treat muscular dystrophy associated with dysferlin-deficiency is disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of prolonging survival of allotransplanted cells, tissues or organs are presented. These methods are directed to administering to the allotransplant recipient an inhibitor of complement activity together with one or more immunosuppressants. The inhibitor of complement activity is administered chronically. These methods have been determined to aid in preventing chronic rejection of allografts. These methods can additionally be used in cases in which the recipient has been presensitized to the allograft or in which there is an ABO mismatch between the allograft and the recipient.

Abstract: Hybrid antibodies and/or hybrid antibody fragments and methods of making them are provided. In one embodiment the hybrid antibodies and/or hybrid antibody fragments contain heavy and/or light variable regions that contain two or more framework regions derived from at least two antibodies. In another embodiment, at least two of the framework regions are classified in the same germline gene family. In one embodiment, at least two framework regions are classified in the same germline gene family member. The hybrid antibodies or hybrid antibody fragments may contain human framework regions and nonhuman CDRs.

Abstract: Hybrid antibodies and/or hybrid antibody fragments and methods of making them are provided. In one embodiment the hybrid antibodies and/or hybrid antibody fragments contain heavy and/or light variable regions that contain two or more framework regions derived from at least two antibodies. In another embodiment, at least two of the framework regions are classified in the same germline gene family. In one embodiment, at least two framework regions are classified in the same germline gene family member. The hybrid antibodies or hybrid antibody fragments may contain human framework regions and nonhuman CDRs.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for facilitating gene therapy procedures involving the transduction of target cells with retroviral vector particles in the presence of complement containing body fluids. The reduction of levels of galactose alpha (1,3) galactosyl epitopes on the retroviral vector particles and/or the blockade of antibody binding to such epitopes have been found to render the particles less sensitive to inactivation by complement mediated mechanisms, and to thus allow transduction in the presence of complement containing body fluids. Means are provided for obtaining such reductions.

Abstract: The use of anti-C5 antibodies, e.g., monoclonal antibodies, to treat glomerulonephritis (GN) is disclosed. The administration of such antibodies at low dosage levels has been found to significantly reduce glomerular inflammation/enlargement and other pathologic conditions associated with GN. Also disclosed are anti-C5 antibodies and anti-C5 antibody-encoding nucleic acid molecules. These antibodies are useful in the treatment of GN and other inflammatory conditions involving pathologic activation of the complement system.

Abstract: A porcine E-selectin protein, its amino acid sequence, the sequence of a cDNA encoding the protein, antibodies reactive with the protein, and methods for the use of these molecules are disclosed. The molecules are used to diagnose the rejection of xenotransplanted pig organs, as well as to prevent and treat such transplant rejection.

Abstract: A porcine E-selectin protein, its amino acid sequence, the sequence of a cDNA encoding the protein, antibodies reactive with the protein, and methods for the use of these molecules are disclosed. The molecules are used to diagnose the rejection of xenotransplanted pig organs, as well as to prevent and treat such transplant rejection.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for facilitating gene therapy procedures involving the transduction of target cells with retroviral vector particles in the presence of complement containing body fluids. The reduction of levels of galactose alpha (1,3) galactosyl epitopes on the retroviral vector particles and/or the blockade of antibody binding to such epitopes have been found to render the particles less sensitive to inactivation by complement mediated mechanisms, and to thus allow transduction in the presence of complement containing body fluids. Means are provided for obtaining such reductions.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for facilitating gene therapy procedures involving the transduction of target cells with retroviral vector particles in the presence of complement containing body fluids. The administration of soluble complement inhibitor molecules to body fluids prevents the complement mediated inactivation of the retroviral vector particles, and provides a safety mechanism for such gene therapy procedures, as the action of soluble complement inhibitors is transient, and any retroviral vector particles present after the return of uninhibited complement activity will be inactivated. Preferred soluble complement inhibitors for use in the practice of the present invention include complement inhibitory anti-complement component mAbs (including complement inhibitory anti C5 antibodies).