Isolation of native human monoclonal autoantibodies to breast cancer.

Using a unique fusion partner cell line, MFP-2, and B-lymphocytes from breast cancer patients, we developed a set of fully human monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) that bind with high specificity and sensitivity to breast cancer cells. Immunofluorescent staining of normal tissues, primary tumors, and metastatic lymph nodes demonstrates that these antibodies are specific for breast cancer of autologous and allogeneic origin. We have also determined that many of the antibodies selected based on specific binding to breast cancer cells and tissue also bind prostate cancer cells and tissue with high specificity and sensitivity.

Development of a fusion partner cell line for efficient production of human monoclonal antibodies from peripheral blood lymphocytes.

We developed a unique fusion partner cell line that is capable of fusing with both human peripheral blood and lymph node lymphocytes at a high efficiency. The cell line was generated by fusing a murine myeloma cell line with a human myeloma cell line, producing a heteromyeloma (B6B11), which was subsequently fused with a human lymph node lymphocyte to produce a trioma (MFP-2). B6B11 and MFP-2 fuse well with human lymphocytes from both spleen and lymph nodes.