| abstract |
The present invention is directed to the production and use of monoclonal antibodies, or antigen binding fragments thereof, that specifically bind the T cell antigen receptor (TCR) and their use for immunomodulation. In preferred embodiments, the antibody or antigen binding fragment of the invention specifically binds the constant region of the alpha chain of the TCR, or otherwise specifically binds the alpha chain regardless of TCR clonal origin (i.e., is pan specific for TCR). The antibodies of the invention may be used, for example, in immunosuppressive therapies for transplant maintenance and the treatment of autoimmune diseases, and/or as targeting molecules for use in the treatment of T-cell malignancies. |