Patent ID: 6045774
Filing Date: 2000-04-04
Classification: A61K,C07K,Y10S

Abstract:
A targeting molecule linked to at least one imaging agent, wherein said targeting molecule is a polypeptide that:(a) forms a closed covalent loop;(b) contains at least three peptide domains having .beta.-sheet character, each of the domains being separated by domains lacking .beta.-sheet character; and(c) specifically binds to a basolateral factor attached to a basolateral domain of an epithelial surface, causing uptake of the linked imaging agent into cells of the epithelial surface;wherein said polypeptide is (i) a J chain, or a portion thereof such that the ability of the portion to specifically bind to a basolateral factor attached to a basolateral domain of an epithelial surface causing uptake of the linked imaging agent into cells of the epithelial surface, is not substantially reduced; or (ii) a J chain, or portion thereof, that is linked to an immunoglobulin heavy chain or a portion thereof,wherein the targeting molecule does not comprise an immunoglobulin light chain.