NEUTRALIZING MONOCLONAL ANTIBODIES AGAINST THE NOGO-66 RECEPTOR (NgR) AND USES THEREOF

Abstract

The subject invention relates to isolated proteins, particularly monoclonal antibodies, which bind to the Nogo-66 receptor. Specifically, these antibodies have the ability to inhibit the binding of the natural ligand of the Nogo-66 receptor and neutralize the Nogo-66 receptor. These antibodies or portions thereof of the invention are useful for detecting NgR and for inhibiting NgR activity, for example in a human suffering from a disorder in which NgR or Nogo-66 activity is detrimental.

1 .- 43 . (canceled) 
     
     
         44 . A method for decreasing Nogo-66 binding to Nogo-66 receptor in a subject in need thereof, comprising the step of administering to the subject an isolated monoclonal anti-Nogo-66 antibody. 
     
     
         45 . A method of reversing Nogo-66-induced neurite outgrowth inhibition comprising the step of using an isolated monoclonal anti-Nogo-66 antibody. 
     
     
         46 . A method of treating a subject for a disorder associated with NgR activity comprising the step of administering an isolated monoclonal anti-Nogo-66 antibody alone or in combination with other therapeutic agents. 
     
     
         47 . The method of  claim 46 , wherein the disorder comprises neurological diseases selected from the group consisting of Amytropic Lateral Sclerosis, Brachial Plexus Injury, Brain Injury, including traumatic brain injury, Cerebral Palsy, Friedrich's Ataxia, Guillain Barre, Leukodystrophies, Multiple Sclerosis, Post Polio, Spina Bifida, Spinal Cord Injury, Spinal Muscle Atrophy, Spinal Tumors, Stroke, and Transverse Myelitits. 
     
     
         48 . The method of  claim 46 , wherein the disorder comprises neurological diseases selected from the group consisting of dementia, senile dementia, mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer-related dementia, Huntington's chorea, tardive dyskinesia, hyperkinesias, manias, Morbus Parkinson, steel-Richard syndrome, Down's syndrome, myasthenia gravis, nerve trauma, vascular amyloidosis, cerebral hemorrhage I with amyloidosis, brain inflammation, Friedrich's ataxia, acute confusion disorder, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, glaucoma and Alzheimer's disease.