| abstract |
(57) [Summary]nA method for detecting PrP-Sc protein as an indicator of infectious spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) is described. In one aspect, the invention relates to a monoclonal antibody that specifically binds to a conserved epitope on the prion protein, and an immunoassay for detecting PrP-Sc in fixed or non-fixed tissue as an indicator of the presence of TSE infection The use of the antibody in the method is intended. In another aspect, the invention is directed to a monoclonal antibody cocktail comprising the monoclonal antibody in combination with a second monoclonal antibody that specifically binds to a second conserved epitope of the prion protein. One or both monoclonal antibodies in the cocktail can recognize epitopes found in all mammalian species for which a native TSE has been reported and in some closely related species. Thus, the antibody cocktail has a high sensitivity to PrP protein, a definite specificity, and despite inter- and intraspecific variability in species such as ruminant livestock, cats, mink, humans, and non-human primates. Provides wide reactivity. |