MASP-2, A Complement Fixing Enzyme, and Uses for It
The invention relates to the discovery and characterization of mannan binding lectin-associated serine protease- 2 (MASP- 2 ), a new serine protease that acts in the MBLectin complement fixation pathway.
1 . An isolated monoclonal antibody or fragment thereof that specifically binds to a human mannan-binding lectin associated serine protease-2 (MASP-2).
2 . The antibody of claim 1 , wherein the antibody selectively inhibits the serine protease activity of MASP-2.
3 . The antibody of claim 1 , wherein the antibody inhibits MASP-2 catalyzed cleavage of complement factor C2 or C4.
4 . The antibody of claim 1 , wherein the antibody is at least one of: recombinant, chimeric, single chain, Fab fragment or F(ab′) 2 fragment.
5 . The antibody of claim 1 , wherein the antibody is of an immuloglobulin class selected from the group consisting of IgG, IgM, IgE, IgA and IgD.
6 . A pharmaceutical composition comprising the antibody of claim 1 .