B7-DC binding antibody

Abstract

An antibody capable of potentiating immune responses and modifying existing states of immune responsiveness is described, as is the sequence of the antibody. Also described are compositions containing the antibody, as well as methods for using the antibody and the compositions to enhance immune responses, to enhance DC function, to modify an existing state of immune responsiveness, to immunize individuals, or to treat or inhibit conditions such as allergic asthma.

1 . A purified polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence that is between 80.0% and 99.9% identical to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:6 or SEQ ID NO:8.  
     
     
         2 . The purified polypeptide of  claim 1 , where said amino acid sequence is at least 95.0% identical to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:6 or SEQ ID NO:8.  
     
     
         3 . The purified polypeptide of  claim 1 , where said amino acid sequence is 99.1% identical to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:6 or SEQ ID NO:8.  
     
     
         4 . The purified polypeptide of  claim 1 , where said amino acid sequence is 99.2% identical to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:6 or SEQ ID NO:8.  
     
     
         5 . The purified polypeptide of  claim 1 , wherein said polypeptide further comprises an amino acid sequence that is at least 80.0% identical to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:7, SEQ ID NO:9, SEQ ID NO:10, SEQ ID NO:11, or SEQ ID NO:12.  
     
     
         6 . An isolated nucleic acid encoding a polypeptide that comprises an amino acid sequence that is between 80.0% and 99.9% identical to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:6 or SEQ ID NO:8.  
     
     
         7 . The isolated nucleic acid of  claim 6 , wherein said amino acid sequence is at least 95.0% identical to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:6 or SEQ ID NO:8.  
     
     
         8 . The isolated nucleic acid of  claim 6 , wherein said amino acid sequence is 99.1% identical to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:6 or SEQ ID NO:8.  
     
     
         9 . The isolated nucleic acid of  claim 6 , wherein said amino acid sequence is 99.2% identical to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:6 or SEQ ID NO:8.  
     
     
         10 . The isolated nucleic acid of  claim 6 , wherein said encoded polypeptide further comprises an amino acid sequence that is between 80.0% and 99.9% identical to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:7, SEQ ID NO:9, SEQ ID NO:10, SEQ ID NO:11, or SEQ ID NO:12.  
     
     
         11 . A composition comprising a polypeptide and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, wherein said polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence that is between 80.0% and 99.9% identical to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:6 or SEQ ID NO:8.  
     
     
         12 . The composition of  claim 11 , wherein said polypeptide further comprises an amino acid sequence that is between 80.0% and 99.9% identical to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:7, SEQ ID NO:9, SEQ ID NO:10, SEQ ID NO:11, or SEQ ID NO:12.  
     
     
         13 . A composition comprising a nucleic acid molecule and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, wherein said nucleic acid encodes a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence that is between 80% and 99.9% identical to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:6 or SEQ ID NO:8.  
     
     
         14 . The composition of  claim 13 , wherein said encoded polypeptide further comprises an amino acid sequence that is between 80.0% and 99.9% identical to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:7, SEQ ID NO:9, SEQ ID NO:10, SEQ ID NO:11, or SEQ ID NO:12.  
     
     
         15 . An isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence that is between 80.0% and 99.9% identical to the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:13 or SEQ ID NO:14.  
     
     
         16 . The isolated nucleic acid molecule of  claim 15 , wherein said nucleotide sequence is at least 98.0% identical to the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:13 or SEQ ID NO:14.  
     
     
         17 . The isolated nucleic acid molecule of  claim 15 , wherein said nucleotide sequence is at least 99.0% identical to the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 13 or SEQ ID NO:14.