DEVELOPMENT OF A B CELL TOLERAGEN TO ELIMINATE PRO-THROMBOTIC ANTIBODIES IN ANTIPHOSPHOLIPID SYNDROME.

Matthew D. Linnik.

La Jolla Pharmaceutical Company, San Diego, CA 92121 USA

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an antibody-based autoimmune disorder that causes arterial thrombosis, venous thrombosis and recurrent fetal loss. The autoimmune antibodies are directed against the circulating protein b2-glycoprotein 1 (b2-GPI) and target a discrete and highly localized region on the amino terminal of b2-GPI. We have used this data to develop a toleragen candidate designed to eliminate or anergize the B cells that produce the pathogenic antibodies. B cell tolerance and therapeutic activities of the APS toleragen will be described.

Presented at IBC's 10th Anniversary International Symposium - AATD '99 (Advances in Anticoagulant, Antithrombotic and Thrombolytic Drugs), Oct. 3-7, 1999, Boston, MA.