Influenza viruses are major agents of epidemic and pandemic disease with resultant deaths from pneumonia. Rapid detection of type A influenza permits administration of amantadine to contacts and prevents unnecessary use of antibiotics. Because type A influenza may lead to pneumonia in the elderly, this is of special importance in geriatric facilities. Rapid viral detection systems for influenza viruses (types A and B) will be developed based on production of highly avid monoclonal antibodies to the major internal antigens of these viruses, including nucleoprotein and M-protein (Ml). Monoclonal antibodies will also be produced against NS1 or nonstructural protein found in influenza-virus-infected cells. These antigens show little variation among type A influenza viruses and therefore provide stable reagents that are immune to antigenic shift and drift. The monoclonal antibodies will be used in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) and other antibody-based systems. Viro Dynamics' current panel of monoclonal antibodies to M-protein of type A influenza viruses permits direct detection of influenza (HiNi and H3N2) in nasopharyngeal specimens; increased sensitivity will permit detection of influenza in specimens containing lower levels of antigen. The long-term goal is the development of simple, colorimetric ELISA detection systems for influenza. The Phase I goal is the development of monoclonal antibodies to the major internal antigens of type B influenza viruses.
Anticipated Results:Monoclonal antibodies developed in this program will be applied to the development of ELISA-based diagnostic kits for rapid identification and typing of influenza virus isolates, types A and B. These monoclonal antibodies will also be used in time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay and immunofluorescence analysis for viral detection. Ultimately, ELISA diagnostic kits will permit simple, direct detection of influenza viruses (types A and B) in clinical specimens.National Institute of Allergy And Infectious Diseases