Immunological antibody complex, its preparation and its use

Abstract

The invention relates to an immunological complex of two antibodies of a first animal species, e.g. mouse antibodies, which have been conjugated to form a cyclic tetramer with two monoclonal antibodies of a second animal species, e.g. rat monoclonal antibodies, directed against the Fc-fragment of the antibodies of the first animal species. Preferably, the complex is bifunctional, that is to say, that it contains two different antibodies of the first animal species, one of which is preferably directed to a detectable substance, such as an enzyme, e.g. peroxidase, and the other is directed to any desired antigen. A tetrameric complex of this kind may be used as a labelled antibody in immunoassays. Further, the invention relates to processes for preparing the complexes and for using the complexes in immunological reactions. Finally, the invention relates to drugs containing a complex according to the invention, as the complexes may be used to direct certain active principles to target cells.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.