Immunogens and corresponding antibodies specific for high molecular weight aggregation intermediates common to amyloids formed from proteins of differing sequence
Compositions of matter that comprise one or more conformational epitopes found on amyloid peptide aggregates, antibodies to such epitopes and methods for making and using the compositions, eptitopes and/or antibodies. The invention includes synthetic or isolated compositions that contain or consist of certain conformational epitopes that are found on peptide aggregates (e.g., toxic peptide aggregates) present in human or veterinary patients who suffer from, or who are likely to develop, amyloid diseases (e.g., Alzheimer's Disease). The invention includes methods for the detection, treatment and prevention of diseases in humans or animals, using such compositions. The invention further includes antibodies which bind to the conformational epitopes as well as methods for making such antibodies and methods for the detection, treatment and prevention of diseases and/or identification of potential therapies (e.g., drug screening) using such antibodies.
