Methods and compositions related to acetylocholine receptor conjugates
AssigneeBoard of Regents, The University of Texas System
InventorsPremkumar Christadoss, Windy Allman
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Disclosed are methods, compositions, and diagnostic kits for detecting acetylcholine receptor (AchR) autoreactive immune cells in a subject. The methods comprise detecting the binding of AChR-conjugate to penpheral blood AChR-specific B cells for diagnosing autoimmune disorders, including Myasthenia gravis (MG), systemic lupus erythematous (SLE), and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). More specifically, the detection is achieved by using flow cytometric assay with Alexa-conjugated AchR.
Claims17
A method of evaluating a patient for or with Myasthenia Gravis comprising the step of quantitating acetylcholine receptor (AChR) conjugate binding to B cells in a sample from the patient.
A device for evaluating a patient for myasthenia gravis comprising an AChR conjugate.
An acetylcholine receptor conjugate comprising at least 10 consecutive amino acids of an AChR polypeptide coupled to a detectable moiety.
A kit for detecting acetylcholine receptor reactive B cells comprising an acetylcholine receptor conjugate.
A method of evaluating a patient for or with an autoimmune condition comprising the steps of:
- (i) contacting a sample comprising B cells with a protein or peptide conjugate that specifically binds a B cell associated with the autoimmune condition;
- (ii) determining a level of conjugate binding B cells in a sample;
- and
- (iii) comparing the level of conjugate reactive B-cells with a reference or standard.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.