| 摘要 |
Methods to detect prion or PrP-Sc protein as an indication of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) are described. In one aspect, the inventi on is directed to monoclonal antibodies that specifically bind a conserved epitope of prion proteins and use of the antibodies in immunoassays to detec t PrP-Sc, in fixed or unfixed tissue, as an indication of the presence of TSE infection. In another aspect, the invention is directed to a monoclonal antibody cocktail having the monoclonal antibody in combination with a secon d monoclonal antibody which specifically binds to a second conserved epitope o f prion proteins. One or both monoclonal antibodies of the cocktail can recognize epitopes found in all mammalian species in which a natural TSE has been reported and in a number of closely related species. Thus, the antibody cocktail provides high sensitivity, defined specificity, and broad reactivit y to PrP proteins in spite of interspecies and intraspecies variation of speci es such as ruminant livestock, cats, mink, humans, and non-human primates.</SDO AB> |
