| abstract |
The present invention provides a modified chimeric monoclonal antibody comprising two molecules of each of two different polypeptides. The shorter polypeptides function as the light chains of the antibody and the longer polypeptides function as the heavy chains of the antibody. Moreover, the polypeptide which functions as a heavy chain has a variable region characteristic of a first mammal and a constant region characteristic of a second mammal. Each polypeptide which functions as a light chain has a variable region characteristic of a mammal and a constant region characteristic of a mammal, wherein a receptor-binding ligand replaces at least a portion of the constant region of each of the polypeptides which function as the heavy chains of the antibody. Additionally, the present invention provides an immunologically reactive complex and a chimeric polypeptide. Finally, methods of using and producing the modified chimeric monoclonal antibodies, immunologically reactive complexes, and chimeric polypeptides are provided herein. |