| abstract |
Polynucleotides encode soluble, multivalent molecular complexes which modify immune responses, and host cells comprise such polynucleotides. The molecular complexes comprise extracellular domains of transmembrane heterodimeric proteins, particularly T cell receptor and major histocompatibility complex proteins, which are covalently linked to the heavy and light chains of immunoglobulin molecules to provide soluble multivalent molecular complexes with high affinity for their cognate ligands. The molecular complexes can be used, inter alia, to detect and regulate antigen-specific T cells and as therapeutic agents for treating disorders involving immune system regulation, such as allergies, autoimmune diseases, tumors, infections, and transplant rejection. |