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Abstract

The present invention has multiple aspects. In its first aspect the present invention is directed to a trifunctional antibody-like compound that has tissue, organ, cell or molecule specificity and which is capable of being bifunctional when immobilized, via binding, at the tissue, organ, cell or molecule for which it has specificity. In particular, the present invention is directed to a trifunctional antibody-like compound of Formula I: F.sub.1 ab'--L--F.sub.2 ab'--L--F.sub.3 ab' (1) wherein L is the same or two different moieties for cross-linking F.sub.1 ab', F.sub.2 ab' and F.sub.3 ab'; wherein F.sub.1 ab' is an Fab'-like fragment of a polyclonal or monoclonal antibody having specificity for an antigen expressed by the organ, tissue, cell or molecule of interest; wherein F.sub.2 ab' is an Fab'-like fragment of a polyclonal or monoclonal antibody having the same specificity as F.sub.1 ab', or having specificity either for a different antigen expressed by the organ, tissue, cell, or molecule of interest, or for a diagnostic or therapeutic agent; and wherein F.sub.3 ab' is an Fab'-like fragment of a polyclonal or monoclonal antibody having specificity for a diagnostic or therapeutic agent; or wherein F.sub.2 ab' and F.sub.3 ab' have specificity for a receptor/receptor complex and accessory molecule on the surface of a T-cell. The compound of the present invention has utility as a pharmaceutical agent. Various methods for treating and diagnosing a disease are also presented.

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First Claim