| abstract |
The invention is directed to monoclonal antibodies reactive with a member of the V.beta.3 family variable region of the beta chain of the TCR. More particularly, the invention provides for detection of the V.beta.3.1 subfamily. In a specific embodiment the invention provides for detection of V.beta.3.1, without cross-reacting with other V.beta.3 family variable regions. In a specific embodi-ment, the monoclonal antibodies of the invention do not react with V.beta.3.2. In particular, the invention provides monoclonal antib-odies, termed 5E4 and 8F10, which react with the variable region of a member of the V.beta.3 family. In various embodiments of the invention, these antibodies, or fragments or derivatives thereof, can be used to bind with a member of the V.beta.3 family TCR var-iable region amino acid sequences, either as part of an intact TCR or peptide, or T cell-surface molecule, or a fragment thereof. The monoclonal antibodies are useful for diagnosis and therapy of autoimmune disease, in particular rheumatoid arthritis. |