MONOCYTE ADHESION PROTEIN AND MONOCLONAL ANTIBODY THERETO

摘要

This invention relates to a method for the prevention of monocyte adherence to the endothelial cells lining blood vessels, their subsequent invasion of surrounding tissues and diseases related thereto. It comprises inducing a monocyte adhesion protein to the surface of endothelial cells by treatment with specific cytokines, preparing a monoclonal antibody to the monocyte adhesion protein and contacting the antibody to the protein to form a complex. The monoclonal antibody does not bind to the cell surface proteins VCAM or ELAM. The complex results in a decrease in the adherence of monocytes to endothelial cells and thereby attenuates or prevents the harmful effects of monocyte invasion of endothelial cells and surrounding tissues.