The invention provides a novel human Mab Fab, cloned by phage display, and
its use in diagnostic and therapeutic methods. In particular the
invention provides a method for analyzing the OxLDL components of
atherosclerotic plaques in vivo and a means to determine their relative
pathology. As the method is based on a human Fab rather than a mouse Mab,
the progress or regression of the disease may be monitored over time. The
antibody may also be used for the analysis of surgical or serum samples
ex vivo for the presence of OxLDL. The antibody may also be used to
target therapeutic agents to the site of atherosclerotic plaques or may
have use as a therapeutic agent itself.