MASP-2, A Complement Fixing Enzyme, and Uses for It

Abstract

The invention relates to the discovery and characterization of mannan binding lectin-associated serine protease- 2 (MASP- 2 ), a new serine protease that acts in the MBLectin complement fixation pathway.

1 . An isolated monoclonal antibody or fragment thereof that specifically binds to a human mannan-binding lectin associated serine protease-2 (MASP-2). 
     
     
         2 . The antibody of  claim 1 , wherein the antibody selectively inhibits the serine protease activity of MASP-2. 
     
     
         3 . The antibody of  claim 1 , wherein the antibody inhibits MASP-2 catalyzed cleavage of complement factor C2 or C4. 
     
     
         4 . The antibody of  claim 1 , wherein the antibody is at least one of: recombinant, chimeric, single chain, Fab fragment or F(ab′) 2  fragment. 
     
     
         5 . The antibody of  claim 1 , wherein the antibody is of an immuloglobulin class selected from the group consisting of IgG, IgM, IgE, IgA and IgD. 
     
     
         6 . A pharmaceutical composition comprising the antibody of  claim 1 .