Assay for Epstein-Barr virus infection with solid phase bound synthetic polypeptides

US5116725A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Scripps Clinic and Research Foundation · US

Inventors

• John H. Vaughan · Village of La Jolla, US
• Dennis A. Carson · Del Mar, US
• Gary Rhodes · Leucadia, US
• Richard A. Houghten · Del Mar, US
• Richard S. Smith · Mendota Heights, US
• John E. Geltosky · Hockessin, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 4, 1987
• Grant date: May 26, 1992
• Expiry date: Nov 4, 2007

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10S530/81
• WIPO field: Pharmaceuticals
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

Antigens, immunogens, inocula, antibodies, and particularly diagnostic methods and systems relating to Epstein-Barr virus nuclear antigen (EBNA) are disclosed. The diagnostic methods and systems utilize a synthetic, random copolymer polypeptide containing about 8 to about 40 amino acid residues that includes the overlapping five and six amino acid residue sequences EQU (i) --Gly--R.sup.1 --Gly--R.sup.2 --Gly-- wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are amino acid residues selected from Ala, Asn, Arg, Gly, Leu, Pro, Ser, and Thr with the provision that R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are not both Gly; and EQU (ii) --Gly--Ala--Gly--Gly--Ala--Gly--. The polypeptide contains at least 50 mole percent Gly residues. The diagnostic method and system are particularly useful for assaying for the stage of mononucleois disease, and the presence of nasopharynegeal carcinoma. In an assay for determining the state of Epstein-Barr virus infection, the synthetic polypeptide is fixed to first and second solid phases supports which can be provided by a double-welled spoon having two adjacent solid phases. The solids phases are each coated with the synthetic polypeptide. After contacting each solid phase with a body sample,…