Natural IgM antibodies and inhibitors thereof
The invention provides natural IgM antibody inhibitors that may be used to treat various inflammatory diseases or disorders.
1. An isolated monoclonal antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof that specifically binds to a self-antigen consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:38, wherein the isolated monoclonal antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof is not a natural IgM antibody produced in a mammal, and wherein the isolated monoclonal antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof blocks or reduces binding of monoclonal antibody IgM CM-22 produced by the hybridoma having ATCC Accession Number PTA-3507 to the self-antigen consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:38.
2. The antibody or antigen-binding fragment of claim 1 , wherein the antibody is a human antibody or an antigen-binding fragment thereof.
3. The antibody or antigen-binding fragment of claim 1 , wherein the antibody is a CDR-grafted antibody or an antigen-binding fragment thereof.
4. The antibody or antigen-binding fragment of claim 1 , wherein the antibody is a chimeric antibody or an antigen-binding fragment thereof.
5. The antibody or antigen-binding fragment of claim 1 , wherein the antibody is a humanized antibody or an antigen-binding fragment thereof.
6. The antibody or antigen-binding fragment of claim 1 , wherein the antibody or antigen binding fragment is an IgG.
7. The antigen-binding fragment of claim 1 , wherein the antigen-binding fragment is selected from the group consisting of a Fab fragment, a F(ab') 2 fragment, and a scFv fragment.
8. A pharmaceutical composition comprising the antibody or antigen-binding fragment of claim 1 and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.