| abstract |
An antibody binding to interferon-producing cells (IPC) was obtained by using an animal cell in which a cell membrane protein associatable with ILT7 was co-expressed as an immunogen. The antibody of the disclosure has a high specificity which allows immunological distinction between other ILT family molecules and ILT7. The anti-ILT7 antibody of the disclosure bound to IPC and inhibited the activity thereof. With the anti-ILT7 antibody of the disclosure, the IPC activity can be inhibited and an interferon-related disease can be treated or prevented. ILT7 expression is maintained even in IPC in the presence of IFNα. Therefore, an inhibitory action of IPC activity by the anti-ILT7 antibody can be expected even in an autoimmune disease patient with an increased production of IFNα. |