Method for altering the binding specificity of plasma proteins by oxidation
AssigneeRedox-Reactive Reagents LLC
InventorJohn A. McIntyre
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The binding specificity of at least one plasma protein suspended or dissolved in a liquid medium is altered by exposing the protein to an oxidizing agent or an electric current sufficient to alter its binding specificity. A masked protein such as an autoantibody can be recovered from blood or blood products or extracts by oxidizing the protein to change its binding specificity.
Claims11
A method for screening an individual for autoimmune disease, comprising the steps of:
- providing a composition comprising at least one masked circulating protein suspended or dissolved in a liquid medium, the at least one masked circulating protein having a binding specificity that can be altered by a change in its redox state, and
- exposing the composition to an oxidizing agent or DC current sufficient to effect the alteration of the binding specificity of the at least one masked circulating protein.
A diagnostic kit for the laboratory diagnosis of autoimmune and other aPL-related diseases comprising a standard including an antibody that has been oxidized by exposure to an oxidizing agent or DC current sufficient to effect the alteration of the binding specificity of the antibody.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.