Method for inhibiting the immune suppressive function of human T regulatory cells by administering an anti-GARP monoclonal antibody
The present invention relates to an antibody binding to the transmembrane protein ‘glycoprotein A repetitions predominant’ (GARP) in the presence of TGF-β and uses thereof.
1. A method for inhibiting the immune suppressive function of human T regulatory cells (Tregs) in a subject with a TGF-β related disorder, comprising administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of a monoclonal antibody capable of binding to a conformational epitope of a complex of human Glycoprotein A Repetitions Predominant (hGARP) and TGF-β, said conformational epitope comprising amino acids of hGARP and amino acids of latent TGF-β, wherein the amino acids of hGARP are at least one of amino acids 137 to 139 of hGARP, and wherein the monoclonal antibody inhibits TGF-β activation, thereby inhibiting Treg function in the subject.
2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the TGF-β related disorder is cancer.
3. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the monoclonal antibody is administered in combination with a treatment for cancer.
4. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the amino acids of hGARP are amino acids 137 to 139 of hGARP.
5. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the monoclonal antibody is a whole antibody.
6. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the monoclonal antibody is a humanized antibody.
7. The method according to claim 3 , wherein antibody is administered in combination with another immunotherapeutic agent.
8. The method of claim 7 , wherein the other immunotherapeutic agent is a tumor vaccine.