Immunological control of beta-amyloid levels in vivo

Abstract

Disclosed herein are compositions and methods useful for controlling β-amyloid levels. In particular, the instant invention relates to an antibody that catalyzes hydrolysis of β-amyloid at a predetermined amide linkage are provided. The present invention also provides a vectorized antibody that is capable of crossing the blood brain barrier and is also capable of catalyzing the hydrolysis of β-amyloid at a predetermined amide linkage. Also provided are methods for modulating β-amyloid levels in vivo using antibodies that bind to β-amyloid. These compositions and methods have therapeutic applications, including the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

1 - 36 . (canceled) 
     
     
         37 . A method of sequestering amyloid β (Aβ) peptides in the bloodstream of a human patient diagnosed with or at risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, comprising:
 administering to the human patient an antibody that binds to a human Aβ peptide in a regime effective to sequester Aβ peptides in the bloodstream of the human patient, wherein the antibody is raised to an epitope within the N-terminal region, the central region or the C-terminal region of a human Aβ 1-42  peptide. 
 
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 37 , wherein the antibody is raised to an epitope within the N-terminal region of a human Aβ 1-42  peptide. 
     
     
         39 . The method of  claim 38 , wherein the N-terminal region consists of amino acids 1-16 of the human Aβ 1-42  peptide. 
     
     
         40 . The method of  claim 37 , wherein the antibody is raised to an epitope within the central region of a human Aβ 1-42  peptide. 
     
     
         41 . The method of  claim 40 , wherein the central terminal region consists of amino acids 10-25 of the human Aβ 1-42  peptide. 
     
     
         42 . The method of  claim 37 , wherein the antibody is raised to an epitope within the C-terminal region of a human Aβ 1-42  peptide. 
     
     
         43 . The method of  claim 42 , wherein the C-terminal region consists of amino acids 35-42 of the human Aβ 1-42  peptide. 
     
     
         44 . The method of  claim 37 , wherein the antibody is a monoclonal antibody.