HETEROBIFUNCTIONAL ANTIBODIES POSSESSING DUAL CATALYTIC AND SPECIFIC ANTIGEN BINDING PROPERTIES AND METHODS USING THEM

摘要

A novel and useful class of antibody molecules isdescribed which possess the characteristics of an antigen-specific antibody and a catalytic antibody. Such a hybridmolecule may be assembled in vitro using biochemical means orusing in vivo methods including cell hybridization, orrecombinant DNA technologies. The product of the inventionpossesses both antigen target specificity as well as anintrinsic catalytic activity. Further said product may be usedin any appropriate application including diagnostic test as asubstitute for an enzyme-labelled antibody conjugate or as atherapeutic reagent whereby a part of the antibody moleculerecognizes a unique cellular marker and the catalytic portionof antibody molecule has therepeutic activity.