Search

A monoclonal antibody light chain with prothrombinase activity has been found. Prothrombin, an enzyme and the precursor on thrombin, is central in coagulation. Autoantibodies to it are associated with thromboembolism. The mechanisms by which the antibodies regulate the processes of coagulation are not well understood. Thus a panel of 34 monoclonal antibody light chains isolated from people with multiple myeloma for prothrombinase activity by an electrophoresis method was screened. Two light chains with the activity have been identified and one further characterized.

A V gene phage-display antibody fragments library is developed from patients having systemic lupus erythematose with antiprothrombin antibodies, which is used for studying their function and mechanism in relation to kringle 2 domain of prothrombin. The study can help in defining the pathological significance in relevant animal models.

Research demonstrates that recombinant proteolytic antibody light chains hydrolyze beta-amyloid, which can be a therapeutic for Alzheimer's disease. Results show that the antibody light chains cleave at the alpha-secretase site and carboxyl terminal site of beta-amyloid.