METHODS FOR AMPLIFICATION AND DETECTION OF PRIONS

摘要

Methods are disclosed for detecting prions and/or prion disease-associated forms of prion protein. These methods provide sensitive and specific identification of prions in both biological and environmental samples. These methods include the use of both immunoprecipitation and an amplification assay that uses shaking in the absence of sonication, such as QuIC (SQ) or RT-QuIC (RTQ). In specific non- limiting examples, the methods include the use of monoclonal antibody 15B3 and/or RT-QuIC (RTQ), and/or a substrate replacement step.