National Blood Authority

Benjamin A De Burgh

Alan Doyle

Belinda Mary Kumpel

The present invention provides human monoclonal antibodies having the following essential characteristics: (a) binding to Rh(D) antigen, but not C, c, E or e antigens of the Rh blood group system; (b) being IgG3 proteins; (c) having kappa light chains; (d) being of the allotype G3m(21); (e) binding to D.sup.u cells by an indirect antiglobulin test; (f) binding to D.sup.IV, D.sup.V and D.sup.VII variant antigens; and (g) not binding to D.sup.VI or D.sup.B variant antigens, which may be employed for Rh-typing of red blood cells and passive immunization to prevent hemolytic disease of the newborn. Such a monoclonal antibody is exemplified by the monoclonal antibody of cell line ECACC 87091606 deposited at the European Collection of Animal Cell Cultures, Public Health Laboratory Service Center for Applied Microbiology and Research, Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP4, OJG, England of Sep. 16, 1987.

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Winterbourne Down, United Kingdom

Benjamin A De Burgh