| abstract |
The present invention provides a method for altering a B cell mediated pathology in a patient. This method comprises administering a composition comprising at least one and/or two chimeric proteins. Each chimeric protein comprises at least a portion of either the VH or VL region of a immunoglobul in molecule from particular B cells from a patient having a B cell mediated pathology, and an immunoglobulin constant region. The genes encoding VH and/ or VL regions and the genes encoding immunoglobulin constant regions are isolat ed and inserted into an expression vector. The chimeric proteins are produced b y introducing the expression vectors into insect cell lines. The chimeric proteins are purified using antibody affinity columns, and then chemically conjugated to an immunogenic carrier, keyhole-limpet hemocyanin (KLH). Since the conjugates comprise chimeric proteins made specifically from particular B cells from a patient having B cell mediated pathology, when it is administer ed to such a patient, with or without a cytokine, such as granulocyte-macrophag e- CSF, or a chemokine, it can induce immune responses to alter such a B cell mediated pathology. |