Cross-linked bispecific monoclonal antibody heteropolymers facilitate the clearance of human IgM from the circulation of squirrel monkeys.

We have previously demonstrated that cross-linked bispecific monoclonal antibodies (mAb) heteropolymers (HP), specific for primate erythrocyte (E) complement receptor type 1 (CR1) and target antigen (Ag), facilitate the binding of these target Ag to human and non-human primate E. Once bound in vitro to rhesus monkey E, upon re-infusion these HP/Ag complexes are recognized in vivo by cells of the reticuloendothelial system (RES) and removed from the circulation without loss of the E. We now show, in squirrel monkeys, that an HP specific for E CR1 and human IgM (anti-CR1 x anti-IgM) can be used to facilitate in vivo E binding and clearance from the circulation of a previously injected and circulating model protein pathogen, human IgM. Approximately 70-80% of 125I-labeled human IgM is cleared from the circulation of each of five squirrel monkeys via the HP system. We observe, in experiments analogous to previous studies on immune complex (IC) clearance, that subsequent to HP/Ag clearance there is a decrease in the number of CR1 epitopes per E which is manifested when we use both monoclonal and polyclonal anti-CR1 probes. Our results indicate that the primary organs responsible for uptake of the complexes are the liver and spleen. This work strongly suggests that the HP/Ag complexes, bound to E, function as IC prototypes and are recognized and processed as such in vivo. Thus, the HP-E system may eventually serve as a viable immunotherapy for the clearance of blood-borne pathogens from the circulation.