| abstract |
The present invention provides human monoclonal antibodies having the following essential characteristics: (a) binding to Rh(D) antigen, but not C, c, E or e antigens of the Rh blood group system; (b) being IgG1 proteins; (c) having kappa light chains; (d) being Glm(3) or Glm(1,17) allotype; (e) binding to Du cells by an indirect antiglobulin test; (f) binding to DIV, DV and DVII variant antigens; and (g) not binding to DVI or DB variant antigens, which may be employed for Rh-typing of red blood cells and passive immunization to prevent hemolytic disease of the newborn. Such a monoclonal antibody is exemplified by the monoclonal antibodies of cell lines ECACC 87091605 and 87091604 deposited at the European Collection of Animal Cell Cultures, Public Health Laboratory Service Center for Applied Microbiology and Research, Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP4, OJG, England on Sep. 16, 1987. |