Characterizing the original anti-C5 function-blocking antibody, BB5.1, for species specificity, mode of action and interactions with C5.

ABSTRACT: The implication of complement in multiple diseases over the last 20 years has fuelled interest in developing anti-complement drugs. To date, the focus has been on C5; blocking cleavage of C5 prevents formation of two pro-inflammatory activities, C5a anaphylatoxin and membrane attack complex. The concept of C5 blockade to inhibit inflammation dates back 30 years to the description of BB5.1, an anti-C5 blocking monoclonal antibody raised in C5-deficient mice. This antibody proved an invaluable tool to demonstrate complement involvement in mouse disease models and catalysed enthusiasm for anti-complement drug development, culminating in the anti-human C5 monoclonal antibody eculizumab, the most successful anti-complement drug to date, already in clinical use for several rare diseases. Despite

SUBMITTER: Zelek WM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7496778 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature