Use of blocking anti-TSH-receptor-antibodies in the therapy of hyperthyreoses and monoclonal antibodies for a use of this type
Use of blocking antibodies against the human TSH receptor (hTSH receptor) or their specifically binding fragments for the treatment of, or for preparation of drugs for the treatment of, hyperthyroidism which is attributable to stimulating autoantibodies against the hTSH receptor (Graves' disease) or overstimulation of the thyroid gland by endogenous TSH or to activating mutations of the hTSH receptor, and for the treatment of Graves' ophthalmopathy, and specific blocking monoclonal antibodies which recognize the minimum sequence FDSH corresponding to the positions 381 to 384 of the human TSH receptor.
1. An isolated monoclonal antibody against the hTSH receptor wherein said antibody blocks the binding of TSH and/or stimulating autoantibodies with the hTSH receptor, and wherein said antibody specifically binds to an epitope comprising the amino acid sequence FDSH (amino acids 381-384 of the hTSH receptor).
2. An isolated monoclonal antibody wherein said antibody is produced from one of the hybridoma cells deposited under the designations 4E9/B2/C1 (DSM ACC2389); 4C1/E1/G8 (DSM ACC2390); 1b1/E10/B11/C12 (DSM ACC2391); 7E3/F8/E3 (DSM ACC2392); 3H10/A11/A1 (DSM ACC2393) at DSMZ, Braunschweig, according to the Budapest Treaty on 19 Feb. 1999.