MONOCLONAL ANTIBODIES SPECIFIC FOR THE M2-1 ANTIGEN OF RESPIRATORY SYNCYTIAL VIRUS (RSV)

摘要

The present invention relates to the use of monoclonal antibodies specific for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Specifically, the invention relates to a monoclonal antibody IgG2A secreted by the cell line of 8A4/G9 hybridoma specifically directed to the M2-1 viral antigen, which is associated with the nucleocapside of the virus. The antibodies can be used for assays for the detection and/or determination of RSV infection. Said antibodies are in the pure state and do not contain any other contaminating biological material. In another aspect of the invention a method for preventing and treating the infection caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in a given host is provided, comprising the administration of a composition containing the monoclonal antibodies secreted by the 8A4/G9 hybridoma in sufficient doses to prevent the disease. The antibody can be humanized in order to minimize the possibility of an immune response against the same in the patient. In addition, the invention can be used to obtain any pharmaceutical form of the formulation of the monoclonal antibodies secreted by the 8A4/G9 hybridoma, which are suitable for the treatment or prevention of the disease caused by RSV. The invention also provides methods for detection and diagnosis of RSV viral antigens in biological samples using the monoclonal antibodies produced and secreted by cells of the 8A4/G9 hybridoma.