The invention provides anti-C5 antibodies and methods of using the same. In some embodiments, an isolated anti-C5 antibody of the present invention binds to an epitope within the beta chain of C5 with a higher affinity at neutral pH than at acidic pH. The invention also provides isolated nucleic acids encoding an anti-C5 antibody of the present invention. The invention also provides host cells comprising a nucleic acid of the present invention. The invention also provides a method of producing an antibody comprising culturing a host cell of the present invention so that the antibody is produced. The invention further provides a method of producing an anti-C5 antibody comprising immunizing an animal against a polypeptide which comprises the MG1-MG2 domain of the beta chain of C5. Anti-C5 antibodies of the present invention may be for use as a medicament.
