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

摘要

The 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 hybridoma 8A4/G9 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. The invention also relates to a method for preventing and treating the infection caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in a host, 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 humanised in order to minimise the possibility of an immune response against 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. In addition, the invention relates to methods for the diagnosis and detection of viral antigens of RSV in biological samples, using the monoclonal antibodies produced and secreted by cells of the 8A4/G9 hybridoma.