Identification of a bone morphogenetic protein type 2 receptor neutralizing antibody.

Using a modified, cell-free immunoprecipitation assay, we examined the neutralizing ability of the mouse monoclonal antibody 3F6 and found a dose-dependent inhibition of BMPR2-ECD ligand-binding. Consistent with this, 3F6 blocks endogenous BMPR2 function in the BMP-responsive cell line HEK293T. The specificity of 3F6 action was confirmed by demonstrating that this antibody has no effect on BMP-responsiveness in HEK293T cells in which BMPR2 expression is knocked-down. Our results provide important proof-of-concept data for future studies interrogating BMPR2 function.