| abstract |
The invention relates to hybridoma MGD3 and the monoclonal antibody produced thereby (also called MGD3), which specifically recognises the human Dectin-1 membrane receptor. Antibody MGD3 is capable of inhibiting the binding of Dectin-1 to the natural ligand thereof, the β-glucans that are components of the fungal wall. In addition, the aforementioned antibody specifically blocks binding to Candida albicans and the secretion of cytokines induced thereby. The MGD3 antibody obtained enables in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo detection of the human protein Dectin-1. Similarly, said antibody can be used to detect the level of expression of the receptor in human leukocytes, to define the role of this receptor in the pathogenesis of autoimmune illnesses and of conditions characterised by chronic inflammation and to ascertain the therapeutic effect of different anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressor agents. In addition, the MGD3 antibody may have therapeutic potential in chronic inflammatory illnesses. |