Channels

 

Special Offers & Promotions

 

 

Latest News

 

 

View Channel

New Products

 

 

View Channel

Video Presentations

 

 

View Channel

Separation Science

 

 

View Channel

Microscopy & Image Analysis

 

 

View Channel

Laboratory Automation & IT Solutions

 

 

View Channel

 

Zika Virus Recombinant Antigens & Antibodies

publication date: Aug 25, 2016
 | 
author/source: AMSBIO

Zika Virus

Anglo-American life science firm AMSBIO announces a new range of recombinant antigens and antibodies for Zika virus, which are suited for the development of rapid assays and to overcome the problem of cross-reactivity with related viruses.

The Zika virus (ZIKV), which is borne by mosquitos, is causing worldwide concern because of its connection to a neurological birth disorder and its rapid spread across the globe. The imminent 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil, where the epidemic started, is as a consequence suffering withdrawals from a growing number of competitors.

ZIKV is closely related to other mosquito-borne flaviviruses and is primarily transmitted by infected Aedes species mosquitos (A. aegypti and A. albopictus). Recently spread of the virus through blood transfusion and sexual contact has also been reported. Consequently there is an urgent medical need for rapid ZIKV diagnostic assays to screen large numbers of samples in the field.

Existing tests such as PCR assays and antibody (IgM/ IgG) detection assays are known to have difficulty in differentiating between mosquito-borne flaviviruses. In addition PCR assays that directly test for the presence of ZIKV are only able to detect infections up to 5 days after onset of symptoms - after this, the virus is no longer detectable. Recombinant antigens of envelope and NS1 proteins show promise as a strategy to overcome the problem of flavivirus cross-reactivity with the closely related dengue, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, and West Nile viruses in diagnostics. IgG and IgM antibodies typically show a high sensitivity and specificity to these epitopes, especially NS1 which is thought to contain more species specific epitopes than the envelope proteins. By including low concentrations of unconjugated Dengue antigens (also available from AMSBIO), it is possible to block antibodies that are highly cross reactive between multiple flaviviruses.

AMSBIO has launched two new recombinant antigens to Zika Virus ideal for the development of a specific and rapid IgG/IgM antibody detection assay. The recombinant proteins are produced in Sf9 insect cells and have been tested to work in lateral flow formats. These antigens are available in 1mg size for evaluation and gram bulk quantities for the development of diagnostic assays. Expressed in insect cells these ZIKV recombinant antigens are expected to have the necessary post-translational modifications (e.g. glycosylation) required for proper folding. The native conformation of Zika NS1 is proposed to be hexameric, similar to other NS1 proteins, so molecular weight testing may produce varying results depending on the technique used. The molecular weight specification of ZIKV recombinant antigens supplied by AMSBIO was determined using a reducing SDS-PAGE technique.

AMSBIO has also introduced a range of monoclonal and polyclonal Zika virus antibodies, suitable for use in ELISA, lateral flow and other rapid assays, to help understand the Zika virus infection and test available vaccines or therapeutic interventions. 

Founded in 1987, AMS Biotechnology (AMSBIO) is recognized today as a leading company contributing to the acceleration of discovery through the provision of cutting-edge life science technology, products and services for research and development in the medical, nutrition, cosmetics and energy industries. AMSBIO is able to draw upon in-depth expertise in extracellular matrices to provide elegant solutions for studying cell motility, migration, invasion and proliferation. Widely acknowledged as an expert in cell culture, AMSBIO partners with clients in tailoring cell systems to enhance organoid and spheroid type screening outcomes from a technological and cost-effective perspective.


more about amsbio


more news from amsbio


 


If you have not logged into the website then please enter your details below.



 

Subscribe to any of our newsletters for the latest on new laboratory products, industry news, case studies and much more!

Newsletters from Lab Bulletin

 

Request your free copies HERE

 

 

 

Popular this Month

Top 10 most popular articles this month

 

 

Today's Picks

 


 

Looking for a Supplier?

Search by company or by product

 


Company Name:

Product:


 

 

 

 

Please note Lab Bulletin does not sell, supply any of the products featured on this website. If you have an enquiry, please use the contact form below the article or company profile and we will send your request to the supplier so that they can contact you directly.

Lab Bulletin is published by newleaf marketing communications ltd.


 

Media Partners

 

Exhibitions & Events