DETECTION OF VIRAL ANTIGENS CODED BY REVERSE-READING FRAMES

摘要

The present invention describes a novel method to determine whether a test subject is infected with a selected virus, where the virus has an RNA genome. The method includes the identification of polypeptide antigens coded by reverse open reading frames, that is, reading frames coded in the opposite direction to the major known viral reading frames. Further, the invention includes the reverse frame polypeptide antigens, methods of identifying and producing such polypeptide antigens, and antibodies that are specifically immunoreactive with said polypeptide antigens. These polypeptide antigens and antibodies are useful in diagnostic and therapeutic applications.