| abstract |
CD44, a single chain hyaluronic acid (HA) binding glycoprotein, is expressed in a variety of normal tissues, all hepatopoietic cells and various cancer tissues. A monoclonal antibody against CD44 of the H460-16-2 hybridoma, deposited with ATCC as PTA-4621, was previously shown to be a cancer-modifying antibody (CDMAB), which prevents tumor growth and reduces tumor burden in Cancer models including prostate and breast cancer by cytotoxicity. The variable regions of this monoclonal antibody were also isolated and sequenced to generate a hybrid antibody that has improved anti-cancer activity with respect to the monoclonal antibody. Now, humanized antibodies are generated that have similar CD44 binding activity as the monoclonal antibody PTA-4621 of origin. Monoclonal, hybrid and humanized antibodies can be conjugated to toxins, enzymes, radioactive compounds, cytokines, interferons, target or indicator portions and hematogenous cells to treat cancer. These antibodies are also used in binding assays to determine the expression of CD44 in cells. |