| abstract |
The present invention provides antibodies that bind to the cat allergen, Fel d1, compositions comprising the antibodies, nucleic acids encoding the antibodies and methods of use of the antibodies. According to certain embodiments of the invention, the antibodies are fully human antibodies that bind to Fel d1. The antibodies of the invention are useful for binding to the Fel d1 allergen in vivo, thus preventing binding of the Fel d1 allergen to pre-formed IgE on the surface of mast cells or basophils. In doing so, the antibodies act to prevent the release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators from mast cells and/or basophils, thus ameliorating the untoward response to the cat allergen in sensitized individuals. The antibodies of the invention may also be useful for diagnostic purposes to determine if a patient is allergic to the Fel d1 cat allergen. |