Antibodies that mimic actions of neurotrophins
AssigneeThe Regents of the University of California
InventorsDouglas O. Clary, Gisela Weskamp, Leeann R. Austin, Louis F. Reichardt
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Abstract
The use and production of immunoglobulins which activate trk receptors and imitate effects of neurotrophins are provided. Immunoglobulins which block trk receptor activation and methods of use are also provided.
Claims22
A method for activating a trk receptor comprising exposing cells having the trk receptor to a multivalent immunoglobulin which binds to the receptor and activates the receptor.
A method of therapy for a neurologic disorder associated with suboptimal activity of a trk receptor, said method comprising administering to a mammal having the disorder a therapeutically effective amount of a multivalent immunoglobulin which activates the receptor.
A method for diagnosing a neurologic disorder associated by suboptimal activity of a trk receptor, said method comprising:
- (a) obtaining a nerve cellular sample;
- (b) exposing the sample to a bivalent immunoglobulin which (1) binds to the receptor and (2) induces an increase in the phosphorylation of the receptor;
- and
- (c) assaying the sample for (1) binding to the bivalent immunoglobulin and (2) increased phosphorylation.
A method for determining whether cellular material has a trk receptor comprising:
- (a) exposing the cellular material to a bivalent immunoglobulin which (1) binds to the receptor and (2) induces an increase in phosphorylation of the receptor;
- and
- (b) assaying the cellular material for (1) binding to the bivalent immunoglobulin and (2) increased phosphorylation.
A multivalent immunoglobulin which binds to a trk receptor and functions as an agonist to the receptor.
A monovalent immunoglobulin which binds to a trk receptor and blocks activation of the receptor.
A method for blocking activation of a trk receptor comprising subjecting the receptor to a monovalent immunoglobulin that binds the receptor.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.