| abstract |
The present invention is directed to antibodies having binding specificity for IL-6 and fragments thereof. Another embodiment of the invention pertains to the antibodies, binding fragments thereof, and the like, as described herein, which comprise the sequences of the VH, VL and CDR polypeptides described herein, as well as polynucleotides encoding the same. Combinations of an anti-IL-6 antibody that binds to one or more functional or detectable moieties with or a binding fragment thereof, are also contemplated by the present invention. Methods of making such anti-IL-6 antibodies with or binding fragments thereof are also contemplated by the present invention. Embodiments of the invention are also directed to the use of an anti-IL-6 antibody, and a binding fragment thereof, for the diagnosis and treatment of a disease or disorder associated with IL-6. These antibodies may bind to at least one soluble IL-6, IL-6, IL-6/IL-6R on the cell surface and/or prevent binding of IL-6 and IL-6R, IL-6/IL-6R Binding to gp130 and or formation of IL-6/IL-6R/gp130 multimers and thereby inhibiting the biological effects associated with any of the foregoing. |