IMMUNOGLOBULIN-BINDING POLYPEPTIDES

摘要

The present invention relates to polypeptides having a segment capable of binding an immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region (VH) in an antigen-independent manner. Preferably the VH- binding sequence of amino acid residues is operatively linked to an immunoglobulin FC region-binding sequence of amino acid residues to form a conjugate or chimeric polypeptide. The polypeptides, conjugates and chimeras can be used to form complexes with VH-containing molecules for diagnostic purposes and to increase the affinity of an antibody molecule of its antigen. In addition, the polypeptides, conjugates and chimeras can be used to separate VH-containing molecules from solution to form isolated VH or VH-depleted composition.