Prion immunoassay and separation method

摘要

Immunoassay method for detecting or measuring prion protein in a sample using at least one antibody specifically binding to prion protein, and a method of separating prion protein from a prion protein containing solution using a capturing antibody specifically binding to prion protein, comprising contacting the prion protein present with a reagent capable of improving binding of the antibody to the prion protein. The reagent may be a metal compound of a prion protein binding metal, especially a copper, nickel, zinc or manganese salt or chelate. The reagent may also be an oxidation agent, especially hydrogen peroxide or a permanganate salt. The invention also provides a method of determining the nature of prion protein which is present in a sample.