An amino acid per se is classified in C07D while peptides (starting from dipeptides) are classified in C07K.

Subclass C07K is a function oriented entry for the compounds themselves and does not cover the application or use of the compounds under the subclass definition. For classifying such information other entries exist, for example: preservation of bodies of humans or animals or plants or parts thereof; Biocides, e.g. as disinfectants, as pesticides, as herbicides; pest repellants or attractants; plant growth regulators are classified in A01N.

Preparations for medical, dental, or toilet purposes are classified in A61K.

Amino acids or derivatives thereof are classified in C07C or C07D.

Biocidal, pest repellant, pest attractant, or plant growth regulatory activity of chemical compounds or preparations is classified in A01P.

Therapeutic activity of chemical compounds or medicinal preparations is further classified in subclass A61P.

Uses of cosmetics or similar toilet preparations are further classified in A61Q.

In this subclass, in the absence of an indication to the contrary, a compound is classified in the last appropriate place.

Fragments of peptides or peptides modified by removal or addition of amino acids, by substitution of amino acids by others, or by combination of these modifications are classified as the parent peptides (however only if they have the same activity). Peptide fragments having up to four amino acids are classified in group C07K 5/00.

Peptides prepared by chemical processes or having an amino acid sequence derived from naturally occurring peptides are classified with the naturally occurring peptide.

Peptides prepared by recombinant DNA technology are not classified according to the host, but according to the original peptide expressed, e.g. HIV peptide expressed in E. coli is classified with HIV peptides.

When classifying in this subclass, classification is also made in group B01D 15/08 insofar as subject matter of general interest relating to chromatography is concerned.

Specific peptides mentioned in the claims and/or examples are classified.

The technical field of C07K 1/00 - C07K 5/126 is subdivided into three major blocks:

General processes for the organic chemical preparation of peptides (exception see C07K 1/113).

Peptides e.g. oligopeptides, polypeptides, proteins Immunoglobulins.

Carrier-bound or immobilised peptides and preparation thereof.

Hybridpeptides.

"Peptides" in this main group includes oligopeptides, polypeptides, proteins and chemically modified forms thereof, i.e. the definition of peptide is independent of the length in amino acids.

Peptides comprise at least two alpha-amino acids joined by a single peptide bond.

Reactions concerning transformation of the C-terminal amino acid to amides.

Preparation of peptides containing derivatised side chain amino acids such as e.g. pseudo proline, non natural amino acids, and chemically phosphorylated amino acids.

General methods for solution phase peptide synthesis.

Main group concerns methods for solution phase peptide synthesis applicable to peptides in general. Methods directed to solution phase peptide synthesis of a single peptide or protein needs to be classified in the pertinent group for that specific peptide or protein.

C07K 1/003, C07K 1/006 take precedence.

The class C07K 1/023 should be given if the focus of solution phase peptide synthesis is on inhibition of racemate formation.

Solution-phase peptide synthesis may comprise enzymes as catalysts.

C07K 1/003, C07K 1/006 take precedence.

Specific aspects of synthesis on carriers, such as deprotection, new solvents, should be classified in the respective subclasses.

Organic chemical methods for simultaneous multiple peptide synthesis and organic chemical synthesis of peptide libraries.

General methods for the preparation of peptides using protecting groups or activating agents.

Multiple classification if a plurality of protecting groups is claimed.

Please avoid, where possible, classification in the head group C07K/06,

C07K 1/003, C07K 1/006 take precedence.

C07K 1/003, C07K 1/006 take precedence.

For coupling of peptides the carboxyl group is activated. Thus activating agent are generally agents which activate the carboxyl group by forming an activated ester, such as DCC, DIC, BOP, PyBOP, HBTU, TBTU.

Activating agents are to be distiguished from coupling agents which do not form an activated ester but are oxidized during the peptide bond formation.

General methods for the preparation of peptides using coupling agents.

C07K 1/006 takes precedence.

For coupling of peptides the carboxyl group is activated. Thus activating agent are generally agents which activate the carboxyl group by forming an activated ester, such as DCC, DIC, BOP, PyBOP, HBTU, TBTU.

Activating agents are to be distinguished from coupling agents which do not form an activated ester but are oxidized during the peptide bond formation.

General methods for the preparation of peptides by covalent attachment of residues other than amino acids or peptide residues, e.g. sugars, polyols, fatty acids.

Peptide arrays or libraries are NOT classified in C07K 1/1077.

General methods for the preparation of peptides without change in the primary structure, e.g. by reversible modification of the secondary, tertiary or quaternary structure.

In this subclass as an exception to the general rule that methods have to be applicable to peptides in general, exceptionally also methods relating to a single peptide or protein are classified.

Documents directed to peptide or protein sequencing have also been classified in the past in G01N 33/68.

General methods for the preparation of peptides by hydrolysis covers peptide or protein sequencing techniques (sequential hydrolysis of peptides or protein).

General chemical methods for the preparation of peptides by labelling e.g. with dyes, radioactive or fluorescents labels.

Subgroup concerns methods which are applicable to peptides of any length in general! Methods directed to the preparation of a specific peptide or protein needs to be classified in the pertinent group for that specific peptide or protein.

Isotope labelled peptides per se are classified in C07B 59/008.

Please avoid where you can classifying in the head group.

Only chromatographic methods applicable for peptides or proteins as such are classified here.

Chromatographic materials as such are classified in B01J 20/281 - B01J 20/292, B01J 39/26 (cation exchangers), B01J 41/20 (anion exchangers).

B01D 15/08 relates to processes and apparatus for chromatography in general.

A combination of two or more processes of different types means that at least two steps are innovative.

Please avoid classifying in this group. Consider classification only in exceptional cases where the protein is not identifiable by the sequence or otherwise.

Please avoid classifying in this group. Consider classification only in exceptional cases where the protein is not identifiable by the sequence or otherwise.

Peptides containing up to four amino acids in a fully defined sequence and derivatives thereof. Peptides containing up to four amino acids in a fully defined sequence and containing saccharide radicals are not covered by this group (see references relevant to classification below).

Although C07K 5/00- C07K 5/126 concern short peptides per se, there is one exception: methods for purification and preparation of aspartame are classified with aspartame in C07K 5/0613.

Peptides per se, and derivatives thereof, having up to four amino acids in a fully defined sequence and containing at least one abnormal peptide link are classified in this subgroup only.

Mainly protease inhibitors, such as statins, have been classified here.

Peptides, and derivatives thereof, having up to four amino acids in a fully defined sequence and containing the structure [-C(=O)-C-N-C(=O)-N-C-C(=O)-]

Peptides with symmetrical structure.

Peptides, and derivatives thereof, having up to four amino acids in a fully defined sequence and containing only normal peptide links.

Although C07K 5/00- C07K 5/126 concern short peptides per se, there is one exception: methods for purification and preparation of aspartame are classified with aspartame in C07K 5/0613.

Peptides, and derivatives thereof, having up to four amino acids in a fully defined sequence in a cyclic form and containing only normal peptide bonds.

Classify here only if cyclisation occurs via normal peptide links.

Peptides having 5 to 20 amino acids in a fully defined sequence and containing saccharide radicals are not covered by this group (see references relevant to classification below).

In this main group, only the specific embodiments are classified. The generic definition of a group of peptides on the basis of structural variables, which may assume different values, e.g. a Markush formula, deserves no classification mark.

In this main group, in the absence of any indication to the contrary, every specific embodiment is classified in the last appropriate place (last-place rule).

As a consequence, one embodiment can only be associated with one classification mark within C07K. A document disclosing a plurality of specific embodiments may be associated with one or more classification marks.

Peptides modified by means of one or more of additions, deletions and substitutions of amino acids are classified as the parent peptide.

As a corollary, fragments of peptides are classified with the parent peptides, which contain their sequences.

The degree of structural homology is not particularly limited, as long as the origin of the fragment or the modified peptide is established on the basis of at least one function/activity in common with the parent peptide.

Fusion peptides are classified in the classes of their components, and additionally in C07K 2319/00.

Peptides having up to 20 amino acids containing saccharide radicals and having a fully defined sequence and derivatives thereof. They must have at least one normal peptide link. The peptides classified above are often called glycopeptides and are defined as peptides of appropriate length (see C07K 7/00) possessing one or more glycoside groups on the side chain(s) of the constituting peptides.

Depsipeptides having up to 20 amino acids in a fully defined sequence. Derivatives thereof.

Medicinal preparations containing known peptides are not classified in C07K, only in A61K.

In this subclass, in the absence of an indication to the contrary, a compound is classified in the last appropriate place.

Methods for the preparation or purification of specific peptides are classified in the group of the corresponding peptides. However, the invention may also be valid for other peptides and such documents are also classified in C07K 1/00.

Fragments of peptides modified by removal or addition of amino acids, by substitution of amino acids by others, or by combination of these modifications are classified as the parent peptides. However, fragments of peptides having four or less amino acids are also classified in group C07K 5/00.

Specific peptides prepared by chemical processes or peptides having an amino acid sequence derived from specific peptides are classified with the specific peptides.

Protease inhibitors that are fragments of proteases are classified only in C12N 9/50-C12N 9/86, not in C07K 14/81.

Peptides prepared by recombinant DNA technology are not classified according to the host, but according to the original peptide expressed, e.g. HIV peptide expressed in E. coli is classified with HIV peptides.

Fusion peptides are classified in the classes of their components, the document has further to be given a class for fusion proteins: C07K 2319/00

Documents in which emphasis is given on the method for the preparation of fusion proteins are classified in C12N 15/62.

Hybrid peptides are classified according to their peptide component.

Preparation of proteins and peptides having more than 20 amino acids, and derivatives thereof, by chemical synthesis.

Chemical synthesis of peptide-nucleic acids in which the peptide contains more than 20 amino acids.

New viral proteins or individual genes encoding said proteins, as well as new structural or functional aspects of known viral proteins or genes. Also fragments of said proteins or genes are covered.

The subdivision corresponding to IPC C07K 14/01 until C07K 14/19 is no longer used, since the taxonomic division in this part of the IPC is incomplete and inconsistent with other parts of the classification relating to viruses.

The viral proteins, genes and fragments as indicated above are to be classified using the codes in the C12N 2710/00-C12N 2795/00 ranges combining taxonomic information with further aspects, whereby the specific ending 22 relates to aspects of individual viral proteins and their corresponding genes.

Only if the main invention resides in the viral protein, individual gene or fragment thereof, C07K 14/005 is to be given. No other EC class should be assigned.

Medicinal preparations containing known peptides are not classified in C07K, only in A61K.

In this subclass, in the absence of an indication to the contrary, a compound is classified in the last appropriate place.

Methods for the preparation or purification of specific peptides are classified in the group of the corresponding peptides. However, the invention may also be valid for other peptides and such documents are also classified in C07K 1/00.

Fragments of peptides modified by removal or addition of amino acids, by substitution of amino acids by others, or by combination of these modifications are classified as the parent peptides. However, fragments of peptides having four or less amino acids are also classified in group C07K 5/00.

Specific peptides prepared by chemical processes or peptides having an amino acid sequence derived from specific peptides are classified with the specific peptides.

Protease inhibitors that are fragments of proteases are classified only in C12N 9/50-C12N 9/86, not in C07K 14/81.

Peptides prepared by recombinant DNA technology are not classified according to the host, but according to the original peptide expressed, e.g. HIV peptide expressed in E. coli is classified with HIV peptides.

Fusion peptides are classified in the classes of their components, the document has further to be given a class for fusion proteins: C07K 2319/00

Documents in which emphasis is given on the method for the preparation of fusion proteins are classified in C12N 15/62.

Hybrid peptides are classified according to their peptide component.

Antibodies, immunoglobulins and proteins derived therefrom that bind a specific antigen, and have as minimal structural features an immunoglobulin framework and three CDRs (i.e. a variable domain). In addition, antibody mimetics and scaffolds that bind a specific antigen. Where appropriate, the term antibody as used in these definitions also encompasses said antigen-binding mimetics and scaffolds. The terms antibodies and immunoglobulins are often used interchangeably.

This maingroup covers the following aspects of antibodies:

Structure

Production

Specificity

Cells producing the antibody, e.g. hybridomas producing a monoclonal antibody

DNA/RNA encoding an antibody

Antibody mimetics and scaffolds.

At least one group is mandatory. Additionally, one or more indexing codes may be given. Both the at least one group and the indexing code(s) are mandatory for relevant and sufficiently disclosed aspects, e.g. for aspects actually disclosed in examples and not just casually claimed or generally referred to in the description. With regard to the specificity of an antibody for an antigen, the "last-place-rule" does not apply.

(1) Antibody and/or fragments or derivatives thereof, i.e. the product per se. Emphasis is on the antigen specificity of the antibody.

NOTE: The specificity of an antibody for a certain antigen (with synonyms) may be found in the regularly updated "keyword/classification index" at the end of this section.

A group in C07K 16/00 (classified according to specificity), see the following examples:

Note: If an antigen that, under "normal/benign" conditions, justifies a class for the specifically binding antibody in the C07K 16/08 - C07K 16/28 and C07K 16/34-C07K 16/44 ranges, is disclosed to be (over)expressed under malignant conditions (e.g. in or on a tumor cell), then an additional antibody class in the C07K 16/30 - C07K 16/32 (i.e. antibodies against tumor, resp. oncogene antigens) ranges should be given.

(2) Antibody or fragments or derivatives thereof. Emphasis is on a new technique of the construction of the immunoglobulin molecule or derivative thereof.

C07K 16/00 (general) or C07K 16/005 (phage display)

Optionally a group in C07K 16/00(for the specificity, if in an example)

(3) DNA/RNA encoding an antibody or a fragment thereof.

A group in C07K 16/00(for the specificity)

No Indexing Code used for the aspect of DNA/RNA.

(4) Hybridoma producing a monoclonal antibody. Emphasis is on the antigen specificity of the monoclonal antibody.

A group in C07K 16/00(for the specificity)

No Indexing Code used for aspect of hybridoma.

(5) Hybridoma producing a monoclonal antibody. Emphasis is on the technique of producing the hybridoma.

A group in C12N 5/00(for the hybridoma cell) and/or

A group in C12N 15/00(for the hybridoma technique)

Optionally a group in C07K 16/00(for the specificity, if there is an example)

(6) Fusion protein of (at least an antigen-binding part of) an antibody + a non-antibody protein. Not to be confused with 'synthebodies', see further below.

A group in C07K 16/00 (for the specificity of the antibody part)

A group in C07K 14/00 (for the non-antibody part)

Indexing Code C07K 2319/00 (fusion protein)

(7) Fusion protein of an Fc-region of an immunoglobulin + a non-antibody protein.

A group in C07K 14/00 (for the non-antibody part)

Indexing Code C07K 2319/30 (Fc fused to non-Ig)

(8) Chemical conjugate of (at least an antigen-binding part of) an antibody + a toxin or drug.

A group in C07K 16/00 (for the specificity) and

A61K 47/68 or subgroups thereof (if the antibody contains a drug or toxin for use in therapy in vivo) and/or

A61K 51/10 or subgroups thereof (if the antibody contains a radioactive substance for use in therapy in vivo)

(9) Chemical conjugate of (at least an antigen-binding part of) an antibody + a detectable label.

A group in C07K 16/00 (for the specificity) and

G01N 33/53 or subgroups thereof (if the antibody is for use in detection in vitro) and/or

A61K 51/10 or subgroups thereof (if the antibody contains a radioactive substance for use in detection in vivo) and/or

A61K 49/0058 (if the antibody contains a fluorescent label for use in detection in vivo) and/or

A61K 49/16 (if the antibody contains a nuclear magnetic resonance label for use in detection in vivo)

(10) Therapeutic use of an antibody or a therapeutic composition comprising an antibody.

A group in C07K 16/00 (for the specificity), and

Indexing Code A61K 2039/505 (therapeutic use of an antibody, but only if in an in vivo example (this includes pharmacokinetic studies). Note: Because at the date of classification it is not foreseeable how plausible an in vitro assay will be for the assessment of therapeutic effectiveness, in vitro examples, including those that make in vivo therapeutic effectiveness plausible, should be classified in the C07K 2317/70 series, see below), and/or

optionally Indexing Code A61K 2039/54 (route of administration, but only if important), and/or

optionally Indexing Code A61K 2039/545 (dose, timing or administration schedule, but only if important), and/or

optionally Indexing Code A61K 2039/57 (type of response, e.g. TH1- or TH2-type T cell response).

(11) Therapeutic use of a combination of two or more antibodies or a therapeutic composition comprising two or more antibodies. Said antibodies have an additive or synergistic effect, and the antibodies may be given as a mixture or consecutively. This should not to be confused with a mixture of an antibody with a non-antibody, see below.

A group in C07K 16/00 (for the specificity of the first antibody), and

A group in C07K 16/00 (for the specificity of the second antibody), and

Indexing Code A61K 2039/507 (therapeutic use of an antibody combination. Note: said code may not only be given for an in vivo example, but also if shown in an in vitro example), and/or

Optionally Indexing Code A61K 2039/54 (route of administration, but only if important), and/or

Optionally Indexing Code A61K 2039/545 (dose, timing or administration schedule, but only if important), and/or

Optionally Indexing Code A61K 2039/57 (type of response, e.g. TH1- or TH2-type response).

(12) Therapeutic combinations of antibodies (or fragments thereof) + non-antibody proteins, or compositions comprising these combinations.

A61K 39/395 (or a subgroup thereof), A61K 2300/00; A61K 39/40, A61K 2300/00 or A61K 39/42, A61K 2300/00 as a Combination Set, and

A group in A61K 38/00 (for the non-antibody protein)

A group in C07K 16/00 (for the specificity).

(13) Therapeutic combinations of antibodies (or fragments thereof) + structurally undefined (e.g. functionally defined) compounds, or compositions comprising these combinations.

A61K 39/395 (or a subgroup thereof), A61K 2300/00; A61K 39/40, A61K 2300/00 or A61K 39/42, A61K 2300/00 as a Combination Set, and

A61K 45/06 (for the structurally undefined compound)

A group in C07K 16/00(for the specificity).

(14) Therapeutic combinations of antibodies (or fragments thereof) + blood-derived cells, or compositions comprising these combinations.

A61K 39/395 (or a subgroup thereof), A61K 2300/00; A61K 39/40, A61K 2300/00 or A61K 39/42, A61K 2300/00 as a Combination Set, and

A61K 35/14 (for the blood-derived cells)

A group in C07K 16/00 (for the specificity).

(15) Diagnostic use of an antibody, or a diagnostic composition comprising an antibody. Emphasis is on the antigen specificity, not on the assay technique.

A group in C07K 16/00 (for the specificity)

No Indexing Code used for aspect of diagnosis.

(16) Diagnostic use of an antibody, or a diagnostic composition comprising an antibody. Emphasis is on a new assay technique. The antigen specificity may not be crucial.

G01N 33/53 or subgroups thereof.

A group in C07K 16/00 (for the specificity, if there is an example).

(17) Antibody isolated from eggs. Emphasis is on the isolation technique, not on the antigen specificity.

C07K 16/02 (for the isolation technique from eggs), and

A group in C07K 16/00 (for the specificity, if in an example)

(18) Antibody isolated from eggs. Emphasis is on the antigen specificity, not on the technique of isolation.

A group in C07K 16/00 (for the specificity), and

Indexing Code C07K 2317/11 (antibody isolated from eggs)

(19) Antibody isolated from milk. Emphasis is on the isolation technique, not on the antigen specificity.

C07K 16/04 (for the isolation technique from milk), and

Optionally a group in C07K 16/00 (for the specificity, if in an example)

(20) Antibody isolated from milk. Emphasis is on the antigen specificity, not on the technique of isolation.

A group in C07K 16/00 (for the specificity), and

Indexing Code C07K 2317/12 (antibody isolated from milk)

(21) Antibody isolated from serum. Emphasis is on the isolation technique, not on the antigen specificity.

C07K 16/06 (for the isolation technique from serum), and

Optionally C07K 16/00 (for the specificity, if in an example)

Note: The term "serum" should be interpreted widely and includes blood and plasma as well. In practice, the subgroup C07K 16/065 is used more often and relates to the purification (e.g. by chromatography, filtration) and fragmentation (e.g. by enzymatic digestion) of the immunoglobulin.

(22) Antibody isolated from plants. Emphasis is on the antigen specificity, not on the technique of isolation.

A group in C07K 16/00(for the specificity), and

Indexing Code C07K 2317/13 (antibody isolated from plants)

(23) Antibody characterized by their source of isolation or production. Emphasis is on the protein-expression technique, e.g. to improve yield, purity or glycosylation, e.g. by using specific host-cells, vectors, additives or culture conditions.

A group in C07K 16/00(for the specificity), and

Indexing Code C07K 2317/14 (source of isolation, production)

(24) Antibody according to its taxonomic origin.

A group in C07K 16/00 (for the specificity), and

Indexing Code C07K 2317/20 (general aspects of origin), and/or

Indexing Code C07K 2317/21 (fully primate or fully human, including fully human antibodies produced by transgenic animals, e.g. by Xenomouse®), and/or

Indexing Code C07K 2317/22 (fully camelid), and/or

Indexing Code C07K 2317/23 (fully avian)

(25) Antibody comprising immunoglobulin-regions, -domains or -residues from more than one species, e.g. chimeric, humanized or veneered antibody. Emphasis is on a new technique of construction, not on the antigen specificity.

C07K 16/461…. (for the technique), and

A group in C07K 16/00 (for the specificity, if in an example)

(26) Antibody comprising immunoglobulin-regions, -domains or -residues from more than one species, e.g. chimeric, humanized or veneered antibody. Emphasis is on the antigen specificity, not on the technique of construction.

A group in C07K 16/00 (for the specificity), and

Indexing Code C07K 2317/24 (chimeric, humanized, veneered antibody)

(27) Antibody characterized by general aspects of specificity or valency.

A group in C07K 16/00(for the specificity), and

Indexing Code C07K 2317/30.

(28) Multispecific (i.e. including bispecific) antibody. Emphasis is on a new technique of construction, not on the antigen specificity.

C07K 16/468 or subgroup thereof (for the technique of bispecific antibodies), and

A group in C07K 16/00 (for the first specificity, if in an example), and

A group in C07K 16/00 (for the second specificity, if in an example), and

Optionally a group in C07K 16/00 (for any additional specificity, if in an example)

(29) Multispecific (i.e. including bispecific) antibody. Emphasis is on the antigen specificity, not on the technique of construction.

A group in C07K 16/00 (for the first specificity), and

A group in C07K 16/00 (for the second specificity), and

Optionally, a group in C07K 16/00 (for any additional specificity, if in an example), and

Indexing Code C07K 2317/31 (multispecific antibody)

(30) Antibody specific for a neo-epitope formed by a complex, e.g. antibody-antigen, ligand-receptor. The antibody is monospecific, not bispecific !

A group in C07K 16/00 (for the first component of the complex), and

A group in C07K 16/00(for the second component of the complex), and

Indexing Code C07K 2317/32 (to indicate specificity for the complex)

(31) Antibody characterized by its crossreactivity (e.g. for species or epitope) or lack of crossreactivity.

A group in C07K 16/00 (for the specificity), and

Indexing Code C07K 2317/33 (for the aspect of crossreactivity or explicit lack thereof).

(32) Antibody characterized by its specificity for a well-defined epitope or immunogen which is either linear and shorter than 20 amino acid residues, or conformational and defined by amino acid residues.

A group in C07K 16/00 (for the specificity for the antigen), and

Indexing Code C07K 2317/34 (linear epitope <20 AA residues or conformational epitope defined by AA residues)

(33) Antibody characterized by its valency, and wherein the fact that the molecule is monovalent, bivalent or multivalent is an important feature.

A group in C07K 16/00 (for the specificity), and

Indexing Code C07K 2317/35 (for the aspect of valency, but only if important).

(34) Antibody characterized by its post-translational modification.

A group in C07K 16/00 (for the specificity), and

Indexing Code C07K 2317/40 (for the aspect of post-translational modification).

(35) Antibody wherein the presence, absence or modification by glycosylation, sialylization, fucosylation is an important feature.

A group in C07K 16/00 (for the specificity), and

Indexing Code C07K 2317/41 (glycosylation, sialylization, fucosylation)

(36) Antibody characterized by immunoglobulin fragments.The mere provision of an amino acid or nucleotide sequence is not enough to justify one or more of the following codes:

C07K 16/00 (for the specificity of the antigen binding part), and

Indexing Code C07K 2317/50 (fragments in general), and/or

Indexing Code C07K 2317/51 (complete heavy chain or Fd fragment), and/or

Indexing Code C07K 2317/515 (complete light chain), and/or

Indexing Code C07K 2317/52 (Fc or constant region, isotype), and/or

Indexing Code C07K 2317/522 (CH1), and/or

Indexing Code C07K 2317/524 (CH2), and/or

Indexing Code C07K 2317/526 (CH3), and/or

Indexing Code C07K 2317/528 (CH4), and/or

Indexing Code C07K 2317/53 (hinge), and/or

Indexing Code C07K 2317/54 (F(ab')2), and/or

Indexing Code C07K 2317/55 (Fab or Fab'), and/or

Indexing Code C07K 2317/56 (variable = Fv), and/or

Indexing Code C07K 2317/565 (CDR), and/or

Indexing Code C07K 2317/567 (framework = FR), and/or

Indexing Code C07K 2317/569 (single domain = sdAb or dAb)

Note: The mere provision of an amino acid or nucleotide sequence per se of the above fragment is not enough to justify one or more of the above-mentioned indexing codes, unless said fragment is actually manufactured or modified.

Note: If features of both CDRs (or individual residues therein) and FRs (or individual residues therein) are modified, then both the C07K 2317/565 and C07K 2317/567 codes should be given, and not the general C07K 2317/56 code. The C07K 2317/56 code should be given if the focus is on the intact VH and/or VL domain(s).

Note: Indexing codes in the C07K 2317/522-C07K 2317/53 series should only be given for features, e.g. modifications, concerning these specific domains; otherwise the C07K 2317/52 code should be given. Said specific domains need not necessarily be in isolated form, but may be in the context of their immunoglobulin molecule or fragments thereof.

(37) Antibody characterized by non-natural combinations of immunoglobulins or fragments.This includes fusion proteins and chemically linked immunoglobulins or their fragments. Excluded are chimeric, humanized or veneered antibodies (see above).

A group in C07K 16/00(for the specificity), and

Indexing Code C07K 2317/60 (general aspects), and/or

Indexing Code C07K 2317/622 (single chain = scFv), and/or

Indexing Code C07K 2317/624 (disulfide stabilized variable = dsFv), and/or

Indexing Code C07K 2317/626 (diabody, triabody), and/or

Indexing Code C07K 2317/64 (comprising a combination of variable region and constant region components), and/or

Indexing Code C07K 2317/66 (comprising a swap of domains, e.g. CH3-CH2, VH-CL, VL-CH1).

Optionally Indexing Code C07K 2319/00 (if fusion protein)

(38) Antibody characterized by an effect upon binding to a cell or to an antigen

A group in C07K 16/00(for the specificity), and

Indexing Code C07K 2317/71 (decreased effector function due to an Fc-modification), and/or

Indexing Code C07K 2317/72 (increased effector function due to an Fc-modification), and/or

Indexing Code C07K 2317/73 (induction of cell death, e.g. apoptosis, necrosis; inhibition of cell proliferation), and/or

Indexing Code C07K 2317/732 (antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC)), and/or

Indexing Code C07K 2317/734 (complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC)), and/or

Indexing Code C07K 2317/74 (induction of cell proliferation), and/or

Indexing Code C07K 2317/75 (agonist effect on antigen), and/or

Indexing Code C07K 2317/76 (antagonist effect on antigen, neutralization, inhibition of binding), and/or

Indexing Code C07K 2317/77 (internalization into the cell).

(39) Antibody characterized by remaining in the (producing) cell, i.e. intracellular antibody = intrabody

A group in C07K 16/00(for the specificity), and

Indexing Code C07K 2317/80 (general aspects), and/or

Indexing Code C07K 2317/81 (intracellular antibody functional in the ER or Golgi apparatus), and/or

Indexing Code C07K 2317/82 (intracellular antibody functional in the cytoplasm, the nucleus, the mitochondria, the inner part of the cell membrane)

(40) Antibody characterized by(pharmaco)kinetic aspects or stability of the immunoglobulin.

A group in C07K 16/00(for the specificity), and

Indexing Code C07K 2317/90 (general aspects), or

Indexing Code C07K 2317/92 (for affinity (KD), association rate (Ka), dissociation rate (Kd), EC50 value), or

Indexing Code C07K 2317/94 (in vivo stability, e.g. half-life, pH-, temperature- or enzyme-resistance; Note: for in vitro/pretreatment storage stability see A61K 39/39591).

(41) Antibody mimetics and scaffolds.

A group in C07K 16/00(for the specificity of the inserted antigen binding sequences from antibodies), and

Indexing Code C07K 2318/00 (general aspects of antibody mimetics and scaffolds)

(42) Immunoglobulin or domain(s) thereof as scaffolds for inserted non-immunoglobulin peptide sequences, e.g. for vaccination purposes, e.g. synthebody.

C07K 14/00(for the non-immunoglobulin protein that is inserted), and

C07K 16/00(for the specificity of the immunoglobulin scaffold), and

Indexing Code C07K 2318/10 (to indicate the combination of immunoglobulin scaffold molecules with inserted non-immunoglobulin peptide sequences)

(43) Antigen-binding scaffold molecules wherein the scaffold is not an immunoglobulin variable region, antibody mimetics.

A group in C07K 14/00(for the non-immunoglobulin protein that provides the scaffold).

A group in C07K 16/00(for the antibody-like specificity of the scaffold molecule).

Indexing Code C07K 2318/20 (for scaffold molecules with antigen binding properties)

Guide to the specificity of an antibody for a certain antigen (with synonyms) - KEYWORD/CLASSIFICATION INDEX (KCI)

Peptides of any size, i.e. including proteins, that are immobilised or bound to a carrier, and processes for the immobilisation or for the binding of peptides to carriers.

Immobilised or carrier-bound peptides being part of a functional device, are usually classified according to (the purpose of) the device, e.g. A61M 1/00 for plasmapheresis, B01J 20/00 for affinity chromatography and general sorbent materials.

C12N 11/00

Immobilized or carrier-bound enzymes or microbial cells

C07K 1/00

Libraries of peptides

C12N 15/00

Screening of peptide libraries presented on the surface of microorganisms

G01N 33/00

Analytical reagents/devices comprising immobilised or carrier-bound peptides, as well as methods involving the same

C07K 1/00

Use of immobilized peptides as stationary phases in affinity chromatography for the preparation of (other) peptides

A61K 47/00

Peptides conjugated to carrier moieties in the context of the delivery of therapeutic agents

A61K 51/00

Peptides conjugated to carrier moieties in the context of the delivery of diagnostic agents

Particular attention is given to the nature of the solid support or the carrier and/or to the interaction of the peptide with it.

When the immobilised or carrier-bound peptides is part of a functional device, and no special interaction of the peptide with the solid support or the carrier makes a contributions over the state of the art, no class within C07K 17/00 is assigned.

The last place rule is applicable to each different embodiment disclosed, if more than one is present.

Peptides covalently linked to one or more nucleic acids; or, non-covalently bound complexes of two (or more) different peptides. This symbol is exclusively applied when a protein (or peptide) is covalently bonded to a nucleic acid, or when a non-covalent protein-protein complex is the core of the invention.

Preparations for medical, dental, or toilet purposes are classified in A61K.

Hybrid immunoglobulins are classified in C07K 16/46.

Chemically modified proteins, e.g. PEGylated, acylated or acetylated are classified in C07K 14/00.

Covalently bound hybrid or heterologous peptides having more than 20 amino acids are classified in C07K 14/00 and C07K 2319/00 and subgroups, wherein each of the peptides forming the hybrid or heterologous molecule is classified per se in C07K 14/00 and subgroups.

Fusion proteins of an immunoglobulin with a peptide not being an immunoglobulin are classified in C07K 16/00 and C07K 14/00.

General processes for the preparation of hybrid peptides are classified in C07K 1/00.

Genetic engineering processes for obtaining hybrid peptides are classified in C12N 15/00.

Preparation of hybrid peptides and proteins by fermentation or enzyme-using processes are classified in C12P 21/00.

Looping references between C07K 19/00 and C07K 16/46 have been identified. Until this inconsistency is resolved in IPC, the current classification practice in CPC is as follows: Classify hybrid immunoglobulins composed solely of immunoglobulins in C07K 16/46.