IMMUNOCONJUGATES MADE OF EGG-YOLK ANTIBODIES (IGY), PRODUCTION AND USE THEREOF IN DIAGNOSES AND THERAPY

摘要

The present invention relates to immunoconjugates from egg-yolk antibodies (IgY), their production and application in diagnostics and therapy. It is an object of the present invention to propose alternative products to conventional immunoconjugates for diagnostic and therapeutic use. The immunoconjugates in accordance with the invention are superior to monoclonal antibodies and immunosera from mammals, as well as to the IgY compounds from conventional chickens, in respect of purity and antigen targeting. The production of human anti-IgY-antibodies is to be avoided if possible, and the immunoconjugates are to be producible economically in a manner doing justice to animal protection and in large quantities. In accordance with the invention, the object is accomplished by polyclonal IgY conjugates from intact egg-yolk antibodies (IgY), IgY fragments, Fab constructs or humanized egg-yolk antibodies from SPF-chickens, preferably transgenic SPF-chickens. The antigens or antigen fragments are to be conjugated as immunologically effective component with at least one further component which may be a signal agent, an active agent or a booster molecule.