abstract |
The present invention is an immortalized B-cell line which produces a human monoclonal antibody IgG-Kk which specifically binds to the envelope antigen of human T-cell leukemia virus Type 1 (HTLV-I). This monoclonal antibody is useful as a diagnostic reagent by binding to the antigen specifically expressed on the surface of HTLV producing cells. Furthermore, this monoclonal antibody is useful as a therapeutic reagent, in combination with complement, for the lysis of HTLV-1 producing cells. |