HETEROBIFUNCTIONAL ANTIBODIES POSSESSING DUAL CATALYTIC AND SPECIFIC ANTIGEN BINDING PROPERTIES AND METHODS USING THEM

摘要

A novel and useful class of antibody molecules is described which possess the characteristics of an antigen- specific antibody and a catalytic antibody. Such a hybrid molecule may be assembled in vitro using biochemical means or using in vivo methods including cell hybridization, or recombinant DNA technologies. The product of the invention possesses both antigen target specificity as well as an intrinsic catalytic activity. Further said product may be used in any appropriate application including diagnostic test as a substitute for an enzyme-labelled antibody conjugate or as a therapeutic reagent whereby a part of the antibody molecule recognizes a unique cellular marker and the catalytic portion of antibody molecule has therepeutic activity.