| abstract |
This invention provides an antibody with high affinity for single-stranded DNA, low or no affinity for double-stranded DNA, and capable of specifically binding a DNA hairpin and the hybridoma cell lines which produces these monoclonal antibodies. A chimeric mouse comprising these hybridoma cell lines and a histocompatible mouse is further provided. A method for screening for an agent which will inhibit anti-DNA antibody.DNA binding. One such agent is a benzodiazepine derivative. This invention therefore provides a method of inhibiting the binding of an anti-DNA antibody to its DNA ligand in a sample by contacting the sample with an effective amount of a benzodiazepine derivative. |