Provided is an antibody that specifically binds human αvββ and blocks binding of TGFp peptide to αvβ8, wherein the antibody binds to the specificity determining loop (SDL) of human β8. In some embodiments, the antibody further binds to one, two, or all three of the human av-head domain, the al helix of human β8, or the al helix of human β8. In some embodiments, the antibody is humanized or chimeric. In some embodiments, the antibody is linked to a detectable label. Also provided is a method of enhancing an immune response in a human individual, comprising administering a sufficient amount of the antibody to the individual, thereby enhancing an immune response. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions comprising the anti-αvββ antibodies or antigen-binding molecules thereof.
