Use of heteropolymeric monoclonal antibodies to attach antigens to the C3b receptor of human erythrocytes: a potential therapeutic treatment.

We have prepared bispecific, cross-linked monoclonal antibodies (heteropolymers) with specificity for both targeted antigens and the human erythrocyte (RBC) complement receptor. These heteropolymers facilitate binding of target antigens (human IgG and dinitrophenylated bovine gamma globulin) to human RBCs under conditions that either allow or preclude complement activation. Quantitative analyses of this binding agree well with the number of complement receptors per RBC. In vitro "whole-blood" model experiments indicate heteropolymer-facilitated binding of antigens to RBCs is rapid and stable at 37 degrees C. It may be possible to extend these prototype experiments to the in vivo situation and use heteropolymer-attached RBCs for the safe and rapid binding, neutralization, and removal from the circulation of pathogenic antigens associated with infectious disease.