Method for reducing the immunogenicity of antibody variable domains

US6797492B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignees

• MERCK & CO., INC. · US
• The United States of America · US

Inventors

• Bruce Daugherty · South Orange, US
• George Mark · Princeton Junction, US
• Eduardo A. Padlan · Kensington, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 16, 2001
• Grant date: Sep 28, 2004
• Expiry date: Mar 16, 2021

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C07K2317/24
• WIPO field: Biotechnology
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A unique method is disclosed for identifying and replacing immunoglobulin surface amino acid residues which converts the antigenicity of a first mammalian species to that of a second mammalian species. The method will simultaneously change immunogenicity and strictly preserve ligind binding properties. The judicious replacement of exterior amino acid residues has no effect on the ligind binding properties but greatly alters immunogenicity.