Dendritic cell-specific antibodies

摘要

The present invention relates generally to immuno-interactive agents which are capable of interacting with an epitope on a molecule in or on dendritic cells (DC). More particularly, the present invention provides immunological reagents such as but not limited to immunoglobulin agents which are capable of interacting with an epitope on a molecule present on or within a subset of DC. Generally, the DC are a subset of DC which have been subjected to differentiation stimulus. The resulting differentiated, activated subset of DC produce a molecule comprising an immunologically detectable epitope which is not detectable in non-differentiated DC. The present invention further relates to cell lines which produce the instant immuno-interactive molecules and to a method for identifying and purifying the above-mentioned subset of DC from a biological sample such as blood using the instant immuno-interactive molecules. The present invention further provides for modulators of the interaction between the instant immuno-interactive molecules and an epitope to which they bind. These modulators are useful in controlling an immune response. The present invention further provides an antigenic molecule or part thereof or cell preparation comprising same which is capable of interacting with the subject immuno-interactive agents. The present invention is further directed to the use of the subject immuno-interactive molecules and/or modulators thereof in the manufacture of medicaments for use in immunomodulation and immunotherapy. An immuno-interactive molecule includes an antibody, fragments thereof and recombinant synthetic or hybrid forms of antibodies.