Human antibodies derived from immunized xenomice

Abstract

Fully human antibodies against a specific antigen can be prepared by administering the antigen to a transgenic animal which has been modified to produce such antibodies in response to antigenic challenge, but whose endogenous loci have been disabled. Various subsequent manipulations can be performed to obtain either antibodies per se or analogs thereof.

1 - 44 . (canceled) 
     
     
         45 . A human monoclonal antibody or an antigen binding portion thereof that specifically binds human TNF-α. 
     
     
         46 . The antibody or antigen binding portion thereof according to  claim 45 , wherein said antibody comprises a kappa (K) immunoglobulin light chain. 
     
     
         47 . The antibody or antigen binding portion thereof according to  claim 45 , wherein said antibody comprises an immunoglobulin heavy chain selected from the group consisting of a mu (μ) heavy chain and a gamma (γ) heavy chain. 
     
     
         48 . The antibody or antigen binding portion thereof according to  claim 47 , wherein said antibody comprises a kappa (κ) immunoglobulin light chain. 
     
     
         49 . The antibody or antigen binding portion thereof according to  claim 47 , wherein said antibody comprises a mu (μ) immunoglobulin heavy chain and a kappa (κ) immunoglobulin light chain.