Inventors:
Gowthami M. Arepally - Durham NC, US
Walter Kisiel - Albuquerque NM, US
Keiko Kamei - Kumamoto, JP
Shintaro Kamei - Kumamoto, JP
Assignee:
STC. UNM - Albuquerque NM
International Classification:
C07K 16/18, C12P 21/08, G01N 33/564, G01N 33/577, C12N 5/20
US Classification:
5303887, 435 724, 435 691, 435 7021, 435452, 435332, 435337, 435975, 436506, 436512, 436548, 5303873, 53038825, 530866
Abstract:
The invention includes compositions, kits and methods comprising a monoclonal antibody which shares key functional properties with the polyclonal antibodies which participate in the pathogenesis of heparin induced thrombocytopenia/thrombosis (HIT/HITT) in a mammal. The monoclonal antibody of the invention preferentially binds with a PF4/heparin complex relative to the binding of the antibody with PF4 or heparin alone. The monoclonal antibody of the invention also binds specifically with PF4 in a complex with other glycosaminoglycans besides heparin, and also activates platelets. The monoclonal antibody of the invention is useful in methods for diagnosing and treating HIT/HITT in a mammal. A humanized version of the monoclonal antibody of the invention is also included, along with a process for humanizing the monoclonal antibody of the invention.