摘要 |
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide production and use of antibodies that efficiently bind to C&egr;mX domain of membrane-bound IgE (mIgE) expressed on the surface of human B lymphocytes.SOLUTION: C&egr;mX domain of 52 amino acids, located between CH4 domain and C-terminal membrane anchor peptide on human membrane bound epsilon chain, has been suggested as one of antigen sites for immunological targeting of B cells expressing mIgE. The monoclonal antibodies, including a20, which bind to RADWPGPP peptide at the C terminus of C&egr;mX, have now been found to poorly bind to mIgE on human B cells. The applicants have found that only monoclonal antibodies specific to certain segments such as GLAGGSAQSQRAPDRVL and HSGQQQGLPRAAGGSVPHPR of C&egr;mX can effectively bind to mIgE on human B cells, and hence have utility for targeting B cells for treating diseases mediated by IgE. |