Immunological agents specific for prion protein (PRP)
The present invention is directed to a method for identifying prion protein which is involved in various transmissible neurological disorders of the central nervous system (CNS) in both humans and animals. Specifically, the method is based on the use of hybridomas or monoclonal antibodies (Mabs) and...
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| Main Authors | , |
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| Format | Patent |
| Language | English |
| Published |
04.03.2003
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| Online Access | Get full text |
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| Summary: | The present invention is directed to a method for identifying prion protein which is involved in various transmissible neurological disorders of the central nervous system (CNS) in both humans and animals. Specifically, the method is based on the use of hybridomas or monoclonal antibodies (Mabs) and/or epitope binding fragments thereof prepared against prion protein in order to detect the presence of prion diseases. These antibodies or fragments thereof are suitable for use in highly sensitive immuno-assays for demonstrating the presence of prion protein. Additionally, the invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions containing the antibodies or fragments thereof.
The present invention is directed to a panel of monoclonal antibodies (Mabs) specific for murine prion protein PrP. These Mabs can be applied to immunoblotting, cell surface immunofluorescent staining and immunohistochemistry at light and electron microscopy. Additionally, these Mabs recognize both the normal (PrP) and protease-resistant (PrP) isoforms of PrP. Some Mabs are species restricted, while others react with PrP from a broad range of mammals including mice, humans, monkeys, cows, sheep, squirrels and hamsters. Moreover, several of the Mabs selectively recognize different PrP glycoforms as well as the metabolic fragments of PrP. These newly generated PrPantibodies are useful for exploring the biology of PrPand to establish the diagnosis of prion diseases in both humans and animals. |
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