Example 1
Anti-nonfunctional P2X7 antibody was raised against the peptide KYYKENNVEKRTLIKVF (SEQ ID NO: 2) or Lys-Tyr-Tyr-Lys-Glu-Asn-Asn-Val-Glu-Lys-Arg-Thr-Leu-Ile-Lys-Val-Phe, representing amino acids 297-313 of the human P2X7 protein. The peptide was synthesized by solid phase chemistry (Mimotopes Pty Ltd, Melbourne, Australia) to high purity (>95%) as judged by mass spectroscopy. A C-terminal Cys (C) residue was attached to the sequence and to this was attached the cross-linker MCS (6-Maleimido-Caproic Acid N-Hydroxysuccinimide Ester) for conjugating the peptide to carrier proteins including separately Diphtheria toxoid, bovine serum albumin and ovalbumin by Mimotopes.