ANTI-IDIOTYPIC ANTIBODY INDUCING HIV-1 NEUTRALIZING ANTIBODIES

摘要

The invention relates to Ab2-type anti-idiotypic antibodies and fragments thereof which mimic HIV-1 epitopes that are otherwise cryptic to the immune system and which antibodies or fragments thereof are directed against potently neutralizing anti-HIV-1 antibodies. The invention further relates to a hybridoma cell line 3H6 expressing the anti-idiotypic antibody and to pharmaceutical compositions containing said antibody or fragment thereof. The invention also relates to HIV-1 neutralizing Ab3-type antibodies elicited upon administration of a said Ab2-type anti-idiotypic antibody or fragment thereof and to pharmaceutical compositions containing them. The invention also relates to the use of the present antibodies or fragments thereof as screening tools or as diagnostic or therapeutic agents.