Boehringer-Ingelheim to Present on Unique Monoclonal Antibodies at GTCbio`s Rediscovering Biomarkers Conference (July 23-24, San Diego, CA)
Released on = May 10, 2007, 3:54 pm
Press Release Author = GTCbio
Industry = Pharmaceuticals
Press Release Summary = Biotech/Pharmaceutical conference (GTCbio\'s Rediscovering Biomarkers: Detection, Development and Validation conference) features Boehringer-Ingelheim at San Diego event.
Press Release Body = Joseph R. Woska, Jr. is a Senior Scientist in the Department of Immunology and Inflammation at Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Ridgefield, Connecticut will present on "Utilization of Unique Monoclonal Antibodies for the Detection of LFA-1 Antagonist Receptor Occupancy in Whole Blood" at Rediscovering Biomarkers: Detection, Development, and Validation Conference on July 23-24, 2007 in San Diego, CA. The b2 integrin LFA-1 (CD11a/CD18) is a leukocyte-specific adhesion molecule that mediates leukocyte extravasation, antigen presentation, and T-cell mediated cytolysis through its interaction with its counter-receptors, ICAM-1, ICAM-2 and ICAM-3. We have recently described a small-molecule antagonist of LFA-1, (BIRT 377) which inhibits LFA-1/ICAM-1 molecular interactions, LFA-1-dependent adhesion assays, antigen-induced proliferation of T-cells, and superantigen-induced production of IL-2 in vivo in mice. We have also recently described a unique monoclonal antibody, R3.1, that competes with BIRT 377 and its analogs for binding to both purified full-length LFA-1 and the purified recombinant I domain module. In this manuscript we extend these studies to cell-based systems and utilize this unique reagent for the development of a receptor occupancy assay. Exploiting these observations, we have designed and validated an assay that allows us to measure receptor occupancy in vitro on monkey and human peripheral blood leukocytes and ex vivo in whole blood from monkeys dosed with small molecule LFA-1 antagonists. Further refinement of these reagents has led to the development of a Fab-based assay that allows rapid and reproducible analysis of whole blood samples. These optimized reagents allow for quantification of the number of receptors expressed on the cell surface and a more accurate quantitation of receptor occupancy. The Rediscovering Biomarkers: Detection, Development, and Validation conference will take place on July 23-24, 2007 at the San Diego Marriott La Jolla in La Jolla, CA. Additional topics to be covered include Biomarker Application in Oncology; Tools for Improving Measurement, Safety, and Validation; and Leveraging Upcoming Trends and Technologies.
For more information including a detailed agenda, exhibitor opportunities and registration information visit http://www.gtcbio.com/conference/conferenceDetails.aspx?id