Distinguishing antagonistic and agonistic anti b7-h1 antibodies

Abstract

Materials and methods for distinguishing agonistic anti-B7-H1 antibodies from antagonistic anti-B7-H1 antibodies, and for treating subjects diagnosed with clinical conditions such as cancer, pathogenic infection, or autoimmune disease.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A composition comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and an antibody that specifically binds to B7-H1, wherein the antibody is identified as having antagonistic activity but not agonistic activity, agonistic activity but not antagonistic activity, predominantly antagonistic activity, or predominantly agonistic activity. 
     
     
         2 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the antibody is identified as having antagonistic activity but not agonistic activity, or as having predominantly antagonistic activity. 
     
     
         3 . The composition of  claim 2 , wherein the antibody was identified as having antagonistic activity based at least in part on its ability to block forward signaling of B7-H1 through PD-1. 
     
     
         4 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the antibody is identified as having agonistic activity but not antagonistic activity, or as having predominantly agonistic activity. 
     
     
         5 . The composition of  claim 4 , wherein the antibody was identified as having agonistic activity based at least in part on its ability to trigger signaling through p38 MAPK.