US 6,270,959 B1 · Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type II envelope protein and human monoclonal antibodies specific therefor

Abstract

Isolated and purified envelope protein of HTLV-I is provided devoid of non-envelope protein of HTLV-I and having substantially the same conformation as the envelope protein in native HTLV-I. The protein is produced recombinantly using a dual vaccinia/T7 polymerase system. Non-glycosylated and glycosylated forms of the protein are produced. Glycosylated forms are recognized by antibodies specific for the envelope protein of HTLV-I. Monoclonal antibodies are provided which are specific for the HTLV-I envelope protein and non-binding to HTLV-I envelope protein in denatured form. The HTLV-I envelope protein is cross-reactive with antibodies of HTLV-II and STLV. The envelope protein is useful in diagnosis of infection by HTLV-I and HTLV-II.

Claims10

Dependent claims

A method of producing monoclonal antibodies specific for an envelope protein of HTLV-I, comprising:

(a) administering a protein to at least one mouse to produce at least one immunized mouse, said protein being selected from the group consisting of:
i) an isolated and purified envelope protein of Human T-cell Lymphotrophic Virus Type I (HTLV-I) devoid of non-envelope proteins of HTLV-1 having substantially the same conformation as the envelope protein in native HTLV-I:
ii) a protein mixture of at least two isolated and purified envelope proteins of HTLV-I devoid of non-envelope proteins of HTLV-I having an apparent molecular weight which is selected from about 39 kDa, about 43 kDa, about 45 kDa, about 47 kDa and about 49 kDa, as determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electroghoresis;
and
iii) an isolated and purified envelope protein of HTLV-I devoid of non-envelope proteins of HTLV-I which is recognized by an antibody specific for the envelope protein of Human T-cell Lymphotrophic Virus Type II;
(b) removing B-lymphocytes from the at least one immunized mouse;
(c) fusing the B-lymphocytes from the at least one immunized mouse with myeloma cells, thereby producing hybridomas;
(d) cloning the hybridomas;
(e) selecting clones which produce anti-envelope protein antibody;
(f) culturing the anti-envelope protein antibody-producing clones;
and then
(g) isolating anti-envelope protein antibodies from the cultures.

9 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type II envelope protein and human monoclonal antibodies specific therefor

Life of this patent

Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type II envelope protein and human monoclonal antibodies specific therefor

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims10