| 摘要 |
<p>This invention concerns novel F(ab')2 and Fab fragments of polyclonal antilymphocyte globulins (ALGs) that surprisingly have immunomodulatory activity, wherein those immunoglobulin fragments may be obtained, for example, from polyclonal antithymocyte globulin (ATG) preparations comprising antibodies directed against lymphocyte cell surface proteins. Contrary to the well known immunosuppressive activity of intact ALG/ATG preparations, F(ab')2 and Fab fragments derived therefrom retain their immunomodulatory activity without the accompanying massive and long-lasting lymphocytopenia associated with the administration of intact ALG or ATG preparations. Moreover, the herein described F(ab')2 and Fab fragments retain immunomodulatory activity without retaining Fc receptor binding activities or the ability to bind to complement. When combined with lymphocyte cells either in vivo, ex vivo or in vitro, these F(ab')2 and Fab fragments have immune system modulating activity and may be employed in a variety of different applications.</p> |
