Antibodies that bind peptides from the hPTH sequence (1-37)

Abstract

The present invention is directed to peptides from the sequence of hPTH(1-37), which contain .alpha.-helical amino acid sequence regions and/or non-structured amino acid sequence regions, said peptides being capable of inducing antibodies when injected into animals. Furthermore, the invention is directed to a diagnostic agent and antibodies obtainable by immunizing animals using the peptides according to the invention.

Description

The present invention relates to peptides from the sequence of hPTH(1-37), and the use of said peptides in the preparation of an agent for diagnosing biologically active hPTH.

Human parathyroid hormone (hPTH), a linear polypeptide having 84 amino acids, plays an important role in the regulation of the calcium metabolism. The metabolism of this hormone gives rise to a large number of C-terminal fragments, the biological functions of which have not yet been elucidated. The hPTH(1-37) has been established as a circulating N-terminal fragment (EP-A 0 349 545). This fragment has the full biological activity of the entire hormone. However, upon loss of the first amino acid, serine, the activity significantly decreases and is lost completely without the first two amino acids, serine and valine.

Serum levels in the range of 10.sup.-12 mol/l are measured for the intact hormone hPTH(1-84) and for the N-terminal fragment. Immunological measuring procedures are employed to determine such low concentrations. Here, the most valid results are provided by measuring procedures according to the double antibody or sandwich principle (e.g., the two-site radioimmunometric assay, IRMA, or the sandwich enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay, Sandwich ELISA). For hPTH(1-84), such assays are commercially available. For the measurement of hPTH(1-34), an assay according to the double antibody principle is not known.

Here, two antibodies are required. In order to avoid mutual steric hindrance, they must be capable of recognizing antigen epitopes located at a sufficient distance from each other. When immunizing using the intact antigen, a heterogeneous mixture of various antibodies is obtained, which first must be subjected to an expensive purification in order to conduct a sandwich assay. According to theoretical calculations by B. A. Jameson and H. Wolf, The Antigenic Index: A Novel Algorithm for Predicting Antigenic Determinants, CABIOS 4, p. 181-186, 1988; it has been possible so far to detect a preferred sequence having immunogenic activity in the region of the amino acids 7-14 at the N-terminus. Immunization with N-terminal fragments according to established methods predominantly results in antibodies which, as has been described for hPTH(1-34) (J. Tampe, P. Brozio, H. E. Manneck, A. Mi.beta.bichler, E. Blind, K. B. Millers, H. SchmidtGayk, and F. P. Armbruster, Characterisation of Antibodies Against Human N-Terminal Parathyroid Hormone by Epitope Mapping; J. Immunoassay 13, p. 1-13, 1992), bind in the region of these amino acids. However, these antibodies are not capable of discriminating between biologically active and biologically inactive PTH(1-84) or fragments thereof lacking the first two amino acids serine and valine.

The technical problem which this invention is based upon is to provide peptides by means of which it is possible to eliminate the above-mentioned drawbacks in the diagnosis of biologically active hPTH.

Surprisingly, the technical problem described above is solved by means of the following peptides from the sequence of hPTH(1-37):

hPTH 1-10 SEQ I.D. NO.1NH.sub.2 -Ser.sup.1 -Val.sup.2 -Ser.sup.3 -Glu.sup.4 -Ile.sup.5 -Gln.sup.6 -Leu.sup.7 -Met.sup.8 -His.sup.9 -Asn.sup.10 -OH (1)hPTH 1-9 SEQ I.D. NO.2NH.sub.2 -Ser.sup.1 -Val.sup.2 -Ser.sup.3 -Glu.sup.4 -Ile.sup.5 -Gln.sup.6 -Leu.sup.7 -Met.sup.8 -His.sup.9 -OH (2)hPTH 1-8 SEQ I.D. NO.3NH.sub.2 -Ser.sup.1 -Val.sup.2 -Ser.sup.3 -Glu.sup.4 -Ile.sup.5 -Gln.sup.6 -Leu.sup.7 -Met.sup.8 -OH (3)hPTH 1-7 SEQ I.D. NO.4NH.sub.2 -Ser.sup.1 -Val.sup.2 -Ser.sup.3 -Glu.sup.4 -Ile.sup.5 -Gln.sup.6 -Leu.sup.7 -OH (4)hPTH 1-6 SEQ I.D. NO.5NH.sub.2 -Ser.sup.1 -Val.sup.2 -Ser.sup.3 -Glu.sup.4 -Ile.sup.5 -Gln.sup.6 -OH (5)hPTH 1-5 SEQ I.D. NO.6NH.sub.2 -Ser.sup.1 -Val.sup.2 -Ser.sup.3 -Glu.sup.4 -Ile.sup.5 -OH (6)hPTH 9-18 SEQ I.D. NO.7NH.sub.2 -His.sup.9 -Asn.sup.10 -Leu.sup.11 -Gly.sup.12 -Lys.sup.13-His.sup.14 -Leu.sup.15 -Asn.sup.16 -Ser.sup.17 -Met.sup.18 -OH (7)hPTH 10-18 SEQ I.D. NO.8NH.sub.2 -Asn.sup.10 -Leu.sup.11 -Gly.sup.12 -Lys.sup.13 -His.sup.14-Leu.sup.15 -Asn.sup.16 -Ser.sup.17 -Met.sup.18 -OH (8)hPTH 11-18 SEQ I.D. NO.9NH.sub.2 -Leu.sup.11 -Gly.sup.12 -Lys.sup.13 -His.sup.14 -Leu.sup.15-Asn.sup.16 -Ser.sup.17 -Met.sup.18 -OH (9)hPTH 12-18 SEQ I.D. NO.10NH.sub.2 -Gly.sup.12 -Lys.sup.13 -His.sup.14 -Leu.sup.15 -Asn.sup.16-Ser.sup.17 -Met.sup.18 -OH (10)hPTH 13-18 SEQ I.D. NO.11NH.sub.2 -Lys.sup.13 -His.sup.14 -Leu.sup.15 -Asn.sup.16 -Ser.sup.17-Met.sup.18 -OH (11)hPTH 14-18 SEQ I.D. NO.12NH.sub.2 -His.sup.14 -Leu.sup.15 -Asn.sup.16 -Ser.sup.17 -Met.sup.18 (12)hPTH 9-17 SEQ I.D. NO.13NH.sub.2 -His.sup.9 -Asn.sup.10 -Leu.sup.11 -Gly.sup.12 -Lys.sup.13-His.sup.14 -Leu.sup.15 -Asn.sup.16 -Ser.sup.17 -OH (13)hPTH 9-16 SEQ I.D. NO.14NH.sub.2 -His.sup.9 -Asn.sup.10 -Leu.sup.11 -Gly.sup.12 -Lys.sup.13-His.sup.14 -Leu.sup.15 -Asn.sup.16 -OH (14)hPTH 9-15 SEQ I.D. NO.15NH.sub.2 -His.sup.9 -Asn.sup.10 -Leu.sup.11 -Gly.sup.12 -Lys.sup.13-His.sup.14 -Leu.sup.15 -OH (15)hPTH 9-14 SEQ I.D. NO.16NH.sub.2 -His.sup.9 -Asn.sup.10 -Leu.sup.11 -Gly.sup.12 -Lys.sup.13-His.sup.14 -OH (16)hPTH 9-13 SEQ I.D. NO.17NH.sub.2 -His.sup.9 -Asn.sup.10 -Leu.sup.11 -Gly.sup.12 -Lys.sup.13 (17)hPTH 24-37 SEQ I.D. NO.18NH.sub.2 -Leu.sup.24 -Arg.sup.25 -Lys.sup.26 -Lys.sup.27 -Leu.sup.28-Gln.sup.29 -Asp.sup.30 -Val.sup.31 -His.sup.32 -Asn.sup.33 -Phe.sup.34 -Val.sup.35 -Ala.sup.36 -Leu.sup.37 -OH (18)hPTH 25-37 SEQ I.D. NO.19NH.sub.2 -Arg.sup.25 -Lys.sup.26 -Lys.sup.27 -Leu.sup.28 -Gln.sup.29-Asp.sup.30 -Val.sup.31 -His.sup.32 -Asn.sup.33 -Phe.sup.34 -Val.sup.35 -Ala.sup.36 -Leu.sup.37 -OH (19)hPTH 26-37 SEQ I.D. NO.20NH.sub.2 -Lys.sup.26 -Lys.sup.27 -Leu.sup.28 -Gln.sup.29 -Asp.sup.30-Val.sup.31 -His.sup.32 -Asn.sup.33 -Phe.sup.34 -Val.sup.35 -Ala.sup.36 -Leu.sup.37 -OH (20)hPTH 27-37 SEQ I.D. NO.21NH.sub.2 -Lys.sup.27 -Leu.sup.28 -Gln.sup.29 -Asp.sup.30 -Val.sup.31-His.sup.32 -Asn.sup.33 -Phe.sup.34 -Val.sup.35 -Ala.sup.36 -Leu.sup.37 -OH (21)hPTH 28-37 SEQ I.D. NO.22NH.sub.2 -Leu.sup.28 -Gln.sup.29 -Asp.sup.30 -Val.sup.31 -His.sup.32-Asn.sup.33 -Phe.sup.34 -Val.sup.35 -Ala.sup.36 -Leu.sup.37 -OH (22)hPTH 29-37 SEQ I.D. NO.23NH.sub.2 -Gln.sup.29 -Asp.sup.30 -Val.sup.31 -His.sup.32 -Asn.sup.33-Phe.sup.34 -Val.sup.35 -Ala.sup.36 -Leu.sup.37 -OH (23)hPTH 30-37 SEQ I.D. NO.24NH.sub.2 -Asp.sup.30 -Val.sup.31 -His.sup.32 -Asn.sup.33 -Phe.sup.34-Val.sup.35 -Ala.sup.36 -Leu.sup.37 -OH (24)hPTH 31-37 SEQ I.D. NO.25NH.sub.2 -Val.sup.31 -His.sup.32 -Asn.sup.33 -Phe.sup.34 -Val.sup.35-Ala.sup.36 -Leu.sup.37 -OH (25)hPTH 32-37 SEQ I.D. NO.26NH.sub.2 -His.sup.32 -Asn.sup.33 -Phe.sup.34 -Val.sup.35 -Ala.sup.36-Leu.sup.37 -OH (26)hPTH 33-37 SEQ I.D. NO.27NH.sub.2 -Asn.sup.33 -Phe.sup.34 -Val.sup.35 -Ala.sup.36 -Leu.sup.37 (27)hPTH 24-36 SEQ I.D. NO.28NH.sub.2 -Leu.sup.24 -Arg.sup.25 -Lys.sup.26 -Lys.sup.27 -Leu.sup.28-Gln.sup.29 -Asp.sup.30 -Val.sup.31 -His.sup.32 -Asn.sup.33 -Phe.sup.34 -Val.sup.35 -Ala.sup.36 -OH (28)hPTH 24-35 SEQ I.D. NO.29NH.sub.2 -Leu.sup.24 -Arg.sup.25 -Lys.sup.26 -Lys.sup.27 -Leu.sup.28-Gln.sup.29 -Asp.sup.30 -Val.sup.31 -His.sup.32 -Asn.sup.33 -Phe.sup.34 -Val.sup.35 -OH (29)hPTH 24-34 SEQ I.D. NO.30NH.sub.2 -Leu.sup.24 -Arg.sup.25 -Lys.sup.26 -Lys.sup.27 -Leu.sup.28-Gln.sup.29 -Asp.sup.30 -Val.sup.31 -His.sup.32 -Asn.sup.33 -Phe.sup.34 -OH (30)hPTH 24-33 SEQ I.D. NO.31NH.sub.2 -Leu.sup.24 -Arg.sup.25 -Lys.sup.26 -Lys.sup.27 -Leu.sup.28-Gln.sup.29 -Asp.sup.30 -Val.sup.31 -His.sup.32 -Asn.sup.33 -OH (31)hPTH 24-32 SEQ I.D. NO.32NH.sub.2 -Leu.sup.24 -Arg.sup.25 -Lys.sup.26 -Lys.sup.27 -Leu.sup.28-Gln.sup.29 -Asp.sup.30 -Val.sup.31 -His.sup.32 -OH (32)hPTH 24-31 SEQ I.D. NO.33NH.sub.2 -Leu.sup.24 -Arg.sup.25 -Lys.sup.26 -Lys.sup.27 -Leu.sup.28-Gln.sup.29 -Asp.sup.30 -Val.sup.31 -OH (33)hPTH 24-29 SEQ I.D. NO.34NH.sub.2 -Leu.sup.24 -Arg.sup.25 -Lys.sup.26 -Lys.sup.27 -Leu.sup.28-Gln.sup.29 -OH (34)hPTH 24-38 SEQ I.D. NO.35NH.sub.2 -Leu.sup.24 -Arg.sup.25 -Lys.sup.26 -Lys.sup.27 -Leu.sup.28 (35)

The indicated sequences represent essential features of the secondary structure in their primary structure, as can be demonstrated by supporting NMR data. One precondition to this end was a determination of the PTH(1-37) secondary structure in physiological solution.

The above-mentioned regions of conspicuous structure have good immunogenic activity. Antibodies are formed, binding to the first amino acids of the N-terminus. Deficiency of only two amino acids gives rise to a substantial loss in affinity. Because these amino acids are indispensable for the biological activity to arise, it is possible by using the peptides of the invention to obtain antibodies recognizing only hPTH and fragments thereof which are biologically active.

Furthermore, antibodies can be produced which detect the mid-region 9-15, as well as antibodies giving C-terminal binding in the region of the amino acids 30-37. According to the invention, it is therefore possible to produce antibodies against hPTH(1-37) regions which, according to theoretical calculations, do not exhibit immunogenic activity within the entire molecule. In addition, these regions are separated from each other by such a far distance that no steric hindrance is present which would prevent simultaneous binding of two antibodies.

In preferred embodiments, the peptides may be modified at the N-terminal end, in the side-chain and/or at the C-terminal end, namely, taking the form of acetylation, amidation, phosphorylation and/or glycosylation products.

Eventually, the peptides of the invention may also be bound to carrier proteins such as hemocyanin, thyroglobulin, bovine serum albumin, ovalbumin, or mouse serum albumin etc. Binding to the carrier proteins is preferably effected using carbodiimide or formaldehyde.

The peptides of the invention may be used in the preparation of a diagnostic agent. The diagnostic agent of the invention can be obtained using the per se known immunization of animals with at least one of the peptides according to the invention. Following immunization, an immunoglobulin fraction can be isolated from the immunized animals, which contains antibody fractions having an antibody titer against at least one of the peptides of the invention. The invention is also directed to the antibodies thus obtained. In addition to the complete antibodies consisting of F.sub.ab and F.sub.c, fragments thereof such as F.sub.ab or fragments of the antibodies being idiotypes of peptide epitopes may also be used in an alternative embodiment.

The peptides according to the invention are suitable for preparing an agent for the diagnosis of biologically active hPTH(1-37).

Referring to the following examples, the invention will be described in more detail.

EXAMPLE 1

Solid-Phase Synthesis of Peptides

The method of the invention for synthesizing the peptides is based on the peptide synthesis using a solid support. Each of the C-terminal amino acids is bound to the support material in the presence of dicyclohexylcarbodiimide and dimethylaminopyridine. Wang resin or similar resins are used as support material for the syntheses.

The following derivatives of L-amino acids are used in the synthesis of the sequence, starting from the peptidyl resin as specified: a) hPTH(1-10) Seq. I.D. No. 1: Fmoc-Asn(Trt)-Wang resin, Fmoc-His(Trt)-OH, Fmoc-Met-OH, Fmoc-Leu-OH, Fmoc-Gln(Trt)-OH, Fmoc-Ile-OH, Fmoc-Glu(OtBu)-OH, Fmoc-Ser(tBu)-OH, Fmoc-Val-OH, Boc-Ser(tBu)-OH; b) hPTH(9-18) Seq. I.D. No. 7): Fmoc-Met-Wang resin, Fmoc-Ser(tBu)-OH, Fmoc-Asn(Trt)-OH, Fmoc-Leu-OH, Fmoc-His(Trt)-OH, Fmoc-Lys(Boc)-OH, Fmoc-Gly-OH, Fmoc-Leu-OH, Fmoc-Asn(Trt)-OH, Boc-His(Trt)-OH; c) hPTH(24-37) Seq. I.D. No. 18: Fmoc-Leu-Wang resin, Fmoc-Ala-OH, Fmoc-Val-OH, Fmoc-Phe-OH, Fmoc-Asn(Trt)-OH, Fmoc-His(Trt)-OH, Fmoc-Val-OH, Fmoc-Asp(OtBu)-OH, Fmoc-Gln(Trt)-OH, Fmoc-Leu-OH, Fmoc-Lys(Boc)-OH, Fmoc-Lys(Boc)-OH, Fmoc-Arg(Pmc)-OH, Fmoc-Leu-OH.

The synthesis may be carried out by in situ activation using 2-(1H-benzotriazol-1-yl)-1,1,3,3-tetramethyluronium tetrafluoroborate (TBTU) or derivatives thereof, or benzotriazol-1-yloxy-tris(dimethylamino)phosphonium hexafluorophosphate (BOP) or derivatives thereof in the presence of diisopropylethylamine or N-methylmorpholine and 1-hydroxybenzotriazole, using a four- to tenfold excess of Fmoc-L-amino acid during the coupling reactions in N,N-dimethylformamide, N,N-dimethylacetamide or N-methylpyrrolidone. Removal of the Fmoc groups is effected using 20% piperidine or 2% piperidine and 2% 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU) in N,N-dimethylformamide, N,N-dimethylacetamide or N-methylpyrrolidone. Following synthesis, the resins are washed with 2-propanol and dichloromethane and dried to constant weight in a high vacuum.

Removal from the support and deprotection are carried out by reacting the peptidyl resin with trifluoroacetic acid containing 5% scavenger, water, ethanediol, phenol or thioanisole for 30-90 minutes at room temperature, filtrating, washing with trifluoroacetic acid, and subsequently precipitating with tert-butyl methyl ether. The precipitate is lyophilized from aqueous solution.

EXAMPLE 2

Purification and Analysis

The raw products are purified by chromatography on a C18 reversed phase column (10 .mu.m, buffer A: 0.01 N HCl in water; buffer B: 20% isopropanol, 30% methanol, 50% water, 0.01 N HCl; gradient: 10-80% within 60 minutes; detection at 230 nm).

The purity of the products is determined using mass spectrometry and C18 reversed phase chromatography.

EXAMPLE 3

Coupling to Carrier Protein

Used as carrier proteins are hemocyanin, thyroglobulin, bovine serum albumin, ovalbumin, or mouse serum albumin. Coupling is performed according to the carbodiimide method by way of the carboxyl groups of the peptides. The peptide is activated in aqueous solution by reaction with 1-ethyl-3-(3-methylaminopropyl)carbodiimide hydrochloride for 5 minutes. Coupling is effected by adding the activated peptide to an aqueous solution of the carrier. The molar ratio is 1 peptide 50 amino acids of the carrier protein. The reaction takes 4 hours.

__________________________________________________________________________# SEQUENCE LISTING- (1) GENERAL INFORMATION:- (iii) NUMBER OF SEQUENCES: 36- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 1:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#acids (A) LENGTH: 10 amino (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: unknown (D) TOPOLOGY: unknown- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide- (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: no- (iv) ANTI-SENSE: no#1: (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:- Ser Val Ser Glu Ile Gln Leu Met His Asn# 10- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 2:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#acids (A) LENGTH: 9 amino (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: unknown (D) TOPOLOGY: unknown- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide- (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: no- (iv) ANTI-SENSE: no- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 2:- Ser Val Ser Glu Ile Gln Leu Met His1 5- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 3:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#acids (A) LENGTH: 8 amino (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: unknown (D) TOPOLOGY: unknown- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide- (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: no- (iv) ANTI-SENSE: no- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 3:- Ser Val Ser Glu Ile Gln Leu Met1 5- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 4:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#acids (A) LENGTH: 7 amino (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: unknown (D) TOPOLOGY: unknown- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide- (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: no- (iv) ANTI-SENSE: no- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 4:- Ser Val Ser Glu Ile Gln Leu1 5- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 5:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#acids (A) LENGTH: 6 amino (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: unknown (D) TOPOLOGY: unknown- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide- (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: no- (iv) ANTI-SENSE: no- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 5:- Ser Val Ser Glu Ile Gln1 5- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 6:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#acids (A) LENGTH: 5 amino (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: unknown (D) TOPOLOGY: unknown- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide- (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: no- (iv) ANTI-SENSE: no- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 6:- Ser Val Ser Glu Ile1 5- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 7:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#acids (A) LENGTH: 10 amino (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: unknown (D) TOPOLOGY: unknown- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide- (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: no- (iv) ANTI-SENSE: no- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 7:- His Asn Leu Gly Lys His Leu Asn Ser Met# 10- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 8:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#acids (A) LENGTH: 9 amino (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: unknown (D) TOPOLOGY: unknown- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide- (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: no- (iv) ANTI-SENSE: no- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 8:- Asn Leu Gly Lys His Leu Asn Ser Met1 5- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 9:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#acids (A) LENGTH: 8 amino (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: unknown (D) TOPOLOGY: unknown- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide- (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: no- (iv) ANTI-SENSE: no- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 9:- Leu Gly Lys His Leu Asn Ser Met1 5- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 10:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#acids (A) LENGTH: 7 amino (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: unknown (D) TOPOLOGY: unknown- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide- (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: no- (iv) ANTI-SENSE: no- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 10:- Gly Lys His Leu Asn Ser Met1 5- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 11:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#acids (A) LENGTH: 6 amino (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: unknown (D) TOPOLOGY: unknown- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide- (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: no- (iv) ANTI-SENSE: no- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 11:- Lys His Leu Asn Ser Met1 5- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 12:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#acids (A) LENGTH: 5 amino (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: unknown (D) TOPOLOGY: unknown- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide- (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: no- (iv) ANTI-SENSE: no- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 12:- His Leu Asn Ser Met1 5- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 13:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#acids (A) LENGTH: 9 amino (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: unknown (D) TOPOLOGY: unknown- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide- (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: no- (iv) ANTI-SENSE: no- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 13:- His Asn Leu Gly Lys His Leu Asn Ser1 5- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 14:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#acids (A) LENGTH: 8 amino (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: unknown (D) TOPOLOGY: unknown- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide- (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: no- (iv) ANTI-SENSE: no- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 14:- His Asn Leu Gly Lys His Leu Asn1 5- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 15:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#acids (A) LENGTH: 7 amino (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: unknown (D) TOPOLOGY: unknown- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide- (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: no- (iv) ANTI-SENSE: no- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 15:- His Asn Leu Gly Lys His Leu1 5- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 16:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#acids (A) LENGTH: 6 amino (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: unknown (D) TOPOLOGY: unknown- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide- (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: no- (iv) ANTI-SENSE: no- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 16:- His Asn Leu Gly Lys His1 5- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 17:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#acids (A) LENGTH: 5 amino (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: unknown (D) TOPOLOGY: unknown- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide- (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: no- (iv) ANTI-SENSE: no- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 17:- His Asn Leu Gly Lys1 5- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 18:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#acids (A) LENGTH: 14 amino (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: unknown (D) TOPOLOGY: unknown- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide- (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: no- (iv) ANTI-SENSE: no- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 18:- Leu Arg Lys Lys Leu Gln Asp Val His Asn Ph - #e Val Ala Leu# 10- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 19:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#acids (A) LENGTH: 13 amino (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: unknown (D) TOPOLOGY: unknown- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide- (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: no- (iv) ANTI-SENSE: no- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 19:- Arg Lys Lys Leu Gln Asp Val His Asn Phe Va - #l Ala Leu# 10- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 20:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#acids (A) LENGTH: 12 amino (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: unknown (D) TOPOLOGY: unknown- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide- (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: no- (iv) ANTI-SENSE: no- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 20:- Lys Lys Leu Gln Asp Val His Asn Phe Val Al - #a Leu# 10- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 21:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#acids (A) LENGTH: 11 amino (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: unknown (D) TOPOLOGY: unknown- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide- (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: no- (iv) ANTI-SENSE: no- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 21:- Lys Leu Gln Asp Val His Asn Phe Val Ala Le - #u# 10- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 22:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#acids (A) LENGTH: 10 amino (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: unknown (D) TOPOLOGY: unknown- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide- (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: no- (iv) ANTI-SENSE: no- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 22:- Leu Gln Asp Val His Asn Phe Val Ala Leu# 10- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 23:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#acids (A) LENGTH: 9 amino (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: unknown (D) TOPOLOGY: unknown- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide- (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: no- (iv) ANTI-SENSE: no- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 23:- Gln Asp Val His Asn Phe Val Ala Leu1 5- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 24:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#acids (A) LENGTH: 8 amino (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: unknown (D) TOPOLOGY: unknown- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide- (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: no- (iv) ANTI-SENSE: no- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 24:- Asp Val His Asn Phe Val Ala Leu1 5- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 25:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#acids (A) LENGTH: 7 amino (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: unknown (D) TOPOLOGY: unknown- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide- (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: no- (iv) ANTI-SENSE: no- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 25:- Val His Asn Phe Val Ala Leu1 5- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 26:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#acids (A) LENGTH: 6 amino (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: unknown (D) TOPOLOGY: unknown- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide- (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: no- (iv) ANTI-SENSE: no- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 26:- His Asn Phe Val Ala Leu1 5- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 27:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#acids (A) LENGTH: 5 amino (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: unknown (D) TOPOLOGY: unknown- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide- (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: no- (iv) ANTI-SENSE: no- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 27:- Asn Phe Val Ala Leu1 5- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 28:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#acids (A) LENGTH: 13 amino (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: unknown (D) TOPOLOGY: unknown- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide- (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: no- (iv) ANTI-SENSE: no- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 28:- Leu Arg Lys Lys Leu Gln Asp Val His Asn Ph - #e Val Ala# 10- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 29:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#acids (A) LENGTH: 12 amino (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: unknown (D) TOPOLOGY: unknown- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide- (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: no- (iv) ANTI-SENSE: no- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 29:- Leu Arg Lys Lys Leu Gln Asp Val His Asn Ph - #e Val# 10- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 30:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#acids (A) LENGTH: 11 amino (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: unknown (D) TOPOLOGY: unknown- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide- (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: no- (iv) ANTI-SENSE: no- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 30:- Leu Arg Lys Lys Leu Gln Asp Val His Asn Ph - #e# 10- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 31:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#acids (A) LENGTH: 10 amino (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: unknown (D) TOPOLOGY: unknown- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide- (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: no- (iv) ANTI-SENSE: no- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 31:- Leu Arg Lys Lys Leu Gln Asp Val His Asn# 10- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 32:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#acids (A) LENGTH: 9 amino (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: unknown (D) TOPOLOGY: unknown- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide- (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: no- (iv) ANTI-SENSE: no- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 32:- Leu Arg Lys Lys Leu Gln Asp Val His1 5- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 33:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#acids (A) LENGTH: 8 amino (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: unknown (D) TOPOLOGY: unknown- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide- (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: no- (iv) ANTI-SENSE: no- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 33:- Leu Arg Lys Lys Leu Gln Asp Val1 5- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 34:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#acids (A) LENGTH: 7 amino (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: unknown (D) TOPOLOGY: unknown- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide- (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: no- (iv) ANTI-SENSE: no- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 34:- Leu Arg Lys Lys Leu Gln Asp1 5- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 35:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#acids (A) LENGTH: 6 amino (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: unknown (D) TOPOLOGY: unknown- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide- (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: no- (iv) ANTI-SENSE: no- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 35:- Leu Arg Lys Lys Leu Gln1 5- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 36:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#acids (A) LENGTH: 5 amino (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: unknown (D) TOPOLOGY: unknown- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide- (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: no- (iv) ANTI-SENSE: no- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 36:- Leu Arg Lys Lys Leu1 5__________________________________________________________________________

Claims

1. A kit for detecting active human parathyroid hormone (hPTH) comprising a container and a first group of antibodies or antibody fragments and a second group of antibodies or antibody fragments, wherein the first group selectively binds a peptide of hPTH selected from the group consisting of peptides having SEQ. ID. Nos. 1-6 and the second group selectively binds hPTH at an epitope contained within amino acids 24 to 37.

2. The kit of claim 1, wherein the second group of antibodies or antibody fragments selectively binds a peptide of hPTH selected from the group consisting of peptides having SEQ. ID. Nos. 18-36.

3. The kit of claim 1, wherein the first group of antibodies or antibody fragments selectively bind peptides of hPTH having SEQ. ID. No. 1.

4. The kit of claim 1, wherein the first group of antibodies or antibody fragments selectively bind peptides of hPTH having SEQ. ID. No. 2.

5. The kit of claim 1, wherein the first group of antibodies or antibody fragments selectively bind peptides of hPTH having SEQ. ID. No. 3.

6. The kit of claim 1, wherein the first group of antibodies or antibody fragments selectively bind peptides of hPTH having SEQ. ID. No. 4.

7. The kit of claim 1, wherein the first group of antibodies or antibody fragments selectively bind peptides of hPTH having SEQ. ID. No. 5.

8. The kit of claim 1, wherein the first group of antibodies or antibody fragments selectively bind peptides of hPTH having SEQ. ID. No. 6.

9. An immunological method of detecting active human parathyroid hormone (hPTH) in a sample comprising:

contacting the sample with a first antibody or antibody fragment which selectively binds a peptide of hPTH selected from the group consisting of peptides having SEQ. ID. Nos. 1-6, wherein the first antibody or antibody fragment binds hPTH in the sample;

contacting the sample with a second antibody or antibody fragment which selectively binds hPTH at an epitope contained within amino acids 24 to 37; wherein the second antibody or antibody fragment binds to hPTH bound by the first antibody or antibody fragment; and

detecting the binding of the first and second antibodies or antibody fragments, wherein the binding of the first and second antibodies or antibody fragments indicates the presence of active hPTH in the sample.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the second antibody or antibody fragment selectively binds a peptide of hPTH selected from the group consisting of peptides having SEQ. ID. Nos. 18-36.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein the first antibody or antibody fragment selectively binds peptides of hPTH having SEQ. ID. No. 1.

12. The method of claim 9, wherein the first antibody or antibody fragment selectively binds peptides of hPTH having SEQ. ID. No. 2.

13. The method of claim 9, wherein the first antibody or antibody fragment selectively binds peptides of hPTH having SEQ. ID. No. 3.

14. The method of claim 9, wherein the first antibody or antibody fragment selectively binds peptides of hPTH having SEQ. ID. No. 4.

15. The method of claim 9, wherein the first antibody or antibody fragment selectively binds peptides of hPTH having SEQ. ID. No. 5.

16. The method of claim 9, wherein the first antibody or antibody fragment selectively binds peptides of hPTH having SEQ. ID. No. 6.

17. A composition comprising an antibody or antibody fragment and a suitable carrier, wherein the antibody or antibody fragment selectively binds a peptide of human parathyroid hormone (hPTH) selected from the group consisting of peptides having SEQ. ID. Nos. 1-6.

18. The composition of claim 17, wherein the composition further comprises a second antibody or antibody fragment, wherein the second antibody or antibody fragment selectively binds hPTH at an epitope contained within amino acids 24 to 37.

19. The composition of claim 17, wherein the second antibody or antibody fragment selectively binds a peptide of hPTH selected from the group consisting of peptides having SEQ. ID. Nos. 18-36.

20. The composition of claim 17, wherein the antibody or antibody fragment selectively binds peptides of hPTH having SEQ. ID. No. 1.

21. The composition of claim 17, wherein the antibody or antibody fragment selectively binds peptides of hPTH having SEQ. ID. No. 2.

22. The composition of claim 17, wherein the antibody or antibody fragment selectively binds peptides of hPTH having SEQ. ID. No. 3.

23. The composition of claim 17, wherein the antibody or antibody fragment selectively binds peptides of hPTH having SEQ. ID. No. 4.

24. The composition of claim 17, wherein the antibody or antibody fragment selectively binds peptides pf hPTH having SEQ. ID. No. 5.

25. The composition of claim 17, wherein the antibody or antibody fragment selectivley binds peptides of hPTH having SEQ. ID. No. 6.