Antibodies, humanized antibodies, resurfaced antibodies,
antibody fragments, derivatized antibodies, and conjugates of same with cytotoxic agents, which specifically bind to CD38, are capable of killing CD38′ cells by
apoptosis,
antibody-dependent
cell-mediated
cytotoxicity (ADCC), and / or complement-dependent
cytotoxicity (CDC). Said antibodies and fragments thereof may be used in the treatment of tumors that express CD38
protein, such as
multiple myeloma,
chronic lymphocytic leukemia,
chronic myelogenous leukemia, acute myelogenous
leukemia, or
acute lymphocytic leukemia, or the treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases such as
systemic lupus,
rheumatoid arthritis,
multiple sclerosis, erythematosus, and
asthma. Said derivatized antibodies may be used in the diagnosis and imaging of tumors that express elevated levels of CD38. Also provided are cytotoxic conjugates comprising a
cell binding agent and a cytotoxic agent, therapeutic compositions comprising the conjugate, methods for using the conjugates in the inhibition of
cell growth and the treatment of
disease, and a kit comprising the cytotoxic conjugate. In particular, the
cell binding agent is a
monoclonal antibody, and
epitope-binding fragments thereof, that recognizes and binds the CD38
protein.