Appeal No. 95-4481
Application No. 07/911,667
Knight. We reverse both rejections. In addition, we raise an issue for the examiner to
consider upon return of the application.
DISCUSSION
The claims on appeal are directed to measurement of circulating human antibodies
to double stranded DNA (dsDNA). A serum sample is incubated with immobilized
antibodies or F(ab’)2 fragments specific for the Fc region of human IgG to capture and
immobilize IgG present in the sample; the captured, immobilized IgG is incubated with
labeled synthetic dsDNA, forming an immunological complex if antibodies specific for
dsDNA are present; and the amount of dsDNA-specific antibody in the sample is
determined by measuring the amount of bound labeled dsDNA. Claim 1 recites that the
dsDNA label is digoxigenin, while claim 3 recites that the label is alkaline phosphatase.
Litman discloses a generic immunoassay protocol “employing rigid solid surfaces
which may or may not be separated from the assay medium for measurement, where the
signal may be developed without concern as to the presence of reagents in the solution
affecting the observed signal on the solid surface.” IgG is listed as one of hundreds of
analytes which can be detected by Litman’s assay protocol. There is no mention of IgG of
any particular specificity. See column 1, lines 41-45 and column 17, line 67.
4
Page: Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Next
Last modified: November 3, 2007