Anti-idiotypic antibodies that mimic tumor necrosis factor (TNF) activity. The antibodies may be raised in one species (e.g. a rabbit) using a monoclonal anti-TNF antibody from another species (e.g. a mouse) as an immunogen. Such anti-idiotypic antibodies were cytotoxic to TNF-sensitive cell lines. The cytotoxic activity of the anti-idiotypic antibodies can be neutralized by antibodies that bind to TNF. The anti-idiotypic antibodies may be useful themselves as TNT antagonists or as TNF agonists, and may also be the basis for a new group of TNF agonists or antagonists.
ANTI-IDIOTYPIC ANTIBODIES THAT MIMIC TNF