THERAPEUTIC AND DIAGNOSTIC METHODS USING TOTAL LEUKOCYTE SURFACE ANTIGENS

The present invention is directed to the measurement of soluble leukocyte surface markers, soluble T cell growth factor receptors, soluble complement receptors, soluble T cell differentiation antigens, or related soluble molecules or fragments thereof, and the use of such measurements in the diagnosis and therapy of diseases and disorders. The invention is also directed to the measurement of soluble CD35 (sCD35) or fragments thereof, and the use of such measurements in detecting disease or disorders. A polyclonal sandwich assay is provided for the detection and/or measurement of soluble CD35. The invention further relates to the measurement of total leukocyte markers or fragments thereof, and the use of such measurements in the detection and diagnosis of diseases or disorders. The term "total" leukocyte marker used herein refers to the total amount of a leukocyte marker in a sample, including that present in membrane and intracellular compartments and extracellular soluble compartments. Measurements of a total leukocyte marker can be used to determine the approximate amount in a body fluid sample of leukocytes positive for the leukocyte marker. In a further embodiment, the invention relates to the measurement of both the amount of total leukocyte marker and the amount of the soluble form of the leukocyte marker and a comparison of the measured levels.