Detection of HIV antigens by mixed several monoclonal antibodies

Objective To establish a sandwich ELISA for early detection of HIV antigens using a mixture of monoclonal antibodies (McAb). Methods The ascites McAbs (anti-HIV-1 p24, anti-HIV-1 gp41, anti-HIV-1 gp120 and anti-HIV-2 gp36) were purified by the SAS and the affinity chromatography,and then were labeled with HRP by sodium metaperiodate. The establishing of sandwich ELISA for detecting the single HIV antigen and the tests of specificity and sensitivity of these systems were performed in advance.A proper ratio mixture of four screened McAbs was used as the capture antibody and a proper ratio mixture of four labeled antibodies was used as the detecting antibody. The method of using sandwich ELISA to detect HIV antigens was set up with these McAbs. Results The sensitivity of this method detecting HIV antigens are:0.625 pg/ml HIV-1 p24, 6.25 ng/ml HIV-I gp41,6.25 ng/ml HIV-I gp120 and 9.25 ng/mi HIV-2 gp36 in mixed HIV antigens. Conclusion The method of using several McAbs mixture in sandwich ELISA detecting HIV antigens was established an excellent sensitivity, which provides a novel idea for early detec-ting the HIV antigen. Key words: HIV; Monoclonal antibody; ELISA