Serum IgE reactive against small myelin protein-derived peptides is increased in multiple sclerosis patients.

Though independent findings suggest roles for the allergic arm of the immune system and myelin-reactive antibodies in MS, myelin-reactive IgE has not been investigated. We have developed a radioimmunoassay that measures reactive IgE, IgG and IgA against short (5-6-mers) myelin protein-derived peptides bearing little to no sequence identity with other human proteins, and which might therefore be targets of a CNS-specific autoimmune attack. Here we show that, irrespective of clinical subtype, MS patients' sera are characterized by a higher frequency of measurable IgE against the peptides.

Noninvasive localization of human atherosclerotic lesions with indium 111-labeled monoclonal Z2D3 antibody specific for proliferating smooth muscle cells.

Background: Targeting exclusive antigens in atherosclerotic plaques with antibodies may provide a noninvasive means to detect rapidly proliferative atherosclerotic lesions. 111In-labeled negative charge-modified Z2D3 F(ab')2 (Z2D3) specific for an antigen expressed exclusively by proliferating smooth muscle cells has been shown to accumulate in rabbit atherosclerotic plaques.

Methods: The safety, biodistribution, accumulation, and elimination of Z2D3 were assessed in 11 patients who were candidates for carotid endarterectomy.

Noninvasive detection of atherosclerotic lesions by 99mTc-based immunoscintigraphic targeting of proliferating smooth muscle cells.

Background: Mouse/human chimeric antibody Z2D3 identifies an antigen produced exclusively by proliferating smooth muscle cells of human atheroma, and also cross reacts with experimentally induced atherosclerotic lesions in rabbits. Fab' fragments of Z2D3 antibody were labeled with (99m)Tc using glucaric acid as a weak transchelator. The potential role of (99m)Tc-labeled Z2D3 scintigraphy was explored for noninvasive imaging of experimental atherosclerotic lesions.

Maximizing radiotracer delivery to experimental atherosclerotic lesions with high-dose, negative charge-modified Z2D3 antibody for immunoscintigraphic targeting.

Background: Two factors that directly affect target/background ratio in immunoscintigraphy are the concentration of the antibody bound to the target and the concentration of the antibody in the circulation. High dosages of monoclonal antibody have been reported to be more efficacious in visualization of tumors. Although administration of a higher dosage of antibody increases the absolute target accumulation of the radiotracer, it also increases the background activity, which may offset this advantage.