Novel 8.4 kDa immunophilin
OwnerSteven J. Soldininventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
We have identified and purified to homogeneity from lymphatic tissues a novel 8.4 kDa immunophilin that specifically and avidly binds the immunosuppressant drugs FK-506 (Kd=0.8 nM) and rapamycin (Kd=0.08 nM) and their pharmacologically active metabolites and derivatives, but does not bind cyclosporin A. The isolated 8.4 kDa protein was analyzed for partial amino acid sequence, molecular weight, binding constants, binding specificity, biochemical aspects, and utility as the protein binding reagent in binding assays for immunosuppressant drugs in fluid samples, including patient blood.
Claims8
An immunophilin, comprising a protein with the following properties:
- (i) a protein of 8.4 kDa mass;
- (ii) isolated from the soluble cytoplasm of lymphoid tissues;
- (iii) the N-terminal first 23 amino acid sequence is:
- 2 MET GLN ILE PHE VAL LYS THR LEU THR Seq. ID No. 1 GLY LYS THR ILE THR LEU GLU VAL GLU PRO SER ASP THR ILE
- and,
- (iv) capable of specifically binding FK-506, rapamycin, or pharmacologically active metabolites or derivatives thereof, but not cyclosporins.
A mercantile kit for the determination of immunosuppressant drugs FK-506, rapamycin and pharmacologically active metabolites and derivatives thereof in a fluid sample, comprising, in separate compartments:
- said isolated 8.4 kDa immunophilin;
- optionally, one or more of unlabeled said immunosuppressant drugs or pharmacologically-active metabolites or derivatives thereof;
- and, optionally, one or more labeled said immunosuppressant drugs or pharmacologically-active metabolites or derivatives thereof.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.