| abstract |
Methods are provided for inducing cell death in B-cells, including neoplastic B-cells, by employing reagents that bind to a B-cell epitope designated CDIM epitope. Particularly, antibodies specific for the B-cell marker can be administered to a host to induce death in B-cells to which the antibodies bind or can be used in ex vivo clinical situations to selectively remove B-cells. A B-cell specific oligosaccharide epitope useful as a B-cell marker has been identified. The ligand being recognized on B lymphocytes has no apparent similarities to any of the known pan-B cells markers. Agents which specifically bind the disclosed epitope and lead to B-cell death are provided. Provided is human monoclonal antibody 216, which recognizes this B-cell epitope and binds all CD19+ and CD20+ B lymphocytes in human peripheral blood and spleen, and is cytotoxic to B-cells. Furthermore, MAb 216 does not distinguish B cells by the isotype expressed, binding IgG+ and IgM+ cells with equal intensity, and also binds all B cells regardless of their CD5 expression. These products and methods find use in diagnosis and therapy. |