Patent 6,872,396

This invention particularly discloses an improved immunoassay method for the specific detection of anti-rubella IgM antibodies. This method employs rubella antigens comprising rubella E1 and E2 envelope glycoproteins substantially free of capsid protein. Use of this antigen composition reduces or eliminates nonspecific protein-protein interactions leading to false positive results. A sample diluent comprising urea can also be used in the process to further reduce the occurrence of nonspecific protein-protein interactions. A diagnostic kit to aid in the detection of anti-rubella IgM antibodies is also disclosed.

Description of the Invention

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Improved methods for the specific detection of anti-rubella IgM antibodies in biological samples are disclosed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The rubella virion is a member of the Togavirus family, and is a spherical, enveloped virus approximately 60 nm in diameter. The virion consists of a 10 kb single-stranded RNA molecule encapsidated in an icosahedral nucleocapsid and surrounded by a lipid envelope. Multiple copies of a capsid (C) protein make up the nucleocapsid. The envelope consists of lipoproteins derived from the infected host cell and two viral glycoproteins, designated E1 (53-58 kDa) and E2 (42-48 kDa) (Waxham and Wolinsky, Virology 143:153-165, 1985).

Primary rubella infection is characterized in most individuals by the presence of a macropapular rash, fever, malaise, and lymphadenopathy. Rubella is typically a mild and self-limited disease, and is most often contracted during childhood. Primary infection in adults is less common, and may have very serious consequences in pregnant women. Infection of a fetus during the first trimester of pregnancy may result in spontaneous abortion or severe fetal abnormalities. A congenitally infected infant may exhibit one or more of a variety of birth defects collectively known as congenital rubella syndrome (CRS). Common birth defects associated with CRS include cataracts, central nervous system deficits, microcephaly, motor deficits, deafness, congenital heart disease, and mental retardation.

Because of the fetal risk associated with primary maternal rubella infection, test samples from pregnant women are routinely screened for the presence of anti-rubella IgM antibodies during the first trimester of pregnancy. Primary rubella infection is associated with a pronounced specific IgM antibody response, while reinfection (often asymptomatic) is characterized by elevated levels of specific IgG antibodies in the absence of detectable levels of specific IgM antibodies. Unlike primary infection, reinfection of immune pregnant women is generally thought to be harmless to the developing fetus. When prenatal screening indicates that a woman has acquired a primary rubella infection during the early stages of pregnancy, a therapeutic abortion is often recommended. As a result, it is imperative that the test results are accurate.

A variety of methods related to the detection of anti-rubella IgM antibodies have been described. Initial assays relied on hemagglutination inhibition (HAI) testing, which is dependent upon the hemagglutinating properties of the viral E1 and E2 glycoproteins. If a biological sample to be tested contains antibodies directed against these viral hemagglutinins, rubella virus can no longer bind to red blood cells (usually from chicken blood) and this inhibits hemagglutination (see e.g. Peetermans and Huygelen, Presse Med. 75:2177-2178, 1967). Unfortunately, titers of these anti-hemagglutinin antibodies increase significantly following both primary infection and reinfection, and so this method cannot be used to distinguish between maternal infections likely to result in fetal defects and maternal infections unlikely to affect the fetus.

More recently, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) have become the method of choice in the diagnosis of primary rubella infection (see e.g. Steece et al., J. Clin. Microbiol. 21(1):140-142, 1985). In most cases, rubella viral capsid or envelope glycoprotein antigens (whole proteins, viral extracts, or peptides) are immobilized on a solid support and exposed to a biological sample to be tested for the presence of anti-rubella antibodies. Antigens previously described include novel linear and cyclic peptides corresponding to regions of the rubella E1 and C proteins (U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,164,481 and 5,298,596), novel linear and cyclic peptides corresponding to regions of the E1 and E2 glycoproteins (U.S. Pat. No. 5,427,792) and intact rubella virus (or antigens or fragments thereof) in which oligosaccharide moieties have been modified for better recognition by antibodies (U.S. Pat. No. 4,965,069). Any anti-rubella antibodies present in the test sample bind to the immobilized antigen. After appropriate washing, the presence or absence of bound antibody is detected through the use of an indicator reagent capable of complexing with an anti-rubella IgM antibody. This indicator reagent is typically conjugated to a detectable label. After washing, the bound detectable label is quantified directly or indirectly, and the result is used to determine whether or not the initial sample contained specific anti-rubella IgM antibodies. The presence of specific anti-rubella IgM antibodies in a sample forms the basis for a diagnosis of primary rubella infection.

Unfortunately, there is a disturbing lack of specificity in existing anti-rubella IgM immunoassays. False positive results are obtained so frequently that most laboratories use a complicated testing algorithm to confirm an occurrence of primary rubella infection. This algorithm includes repeated testing of each sample employing different anti-rubella IgM diagnostic kits, a time-consuming and expensive process. The algorithm may also include complementary testing for specific anti-rubella IgG antibody avidity. The initial immune response following exposure to a novel antigen is characterized by the production of an abundance of IgM antibodies, whereas the specific high-avidity IgG antibody response is characteristic of secondary responses and reinfection. Consequently, if IgG antibodies from a patient sample taken during early pregnancy bind to rubella antigens with high avidity, it is unlikely that the initial maternal infection occurred during the critical early stages of fetal development. Conversely, if the IgG antibodies in the patient sample bind the antigen with low avidity, it is suggestive of a recent primary infection with the rubella virus.

Several potential causative factors have been implicated in the lack of specificity in anti-rubella IgM immunoassays, and attempts have previously been made to reduce the incidence of false positive assay results. For example, Macioszek et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,698,393, issued Dec. 16, 1997; "Macioszek") disclose a method for reducing or eliminating false positive IgM immunoassay results caused by the presence of rheumatoid factors (autoantibodies against human IgG, usually of the IgM isotype) in tested samples. This method involves treatment of samples suspected of containing rheumatoid factors (RF), either directly or while in complex bound to the solid phase, with a RF neutralization citrate buffer of a pH most preferably between 3.5 and 5.0. Macioszek teaches that the binding of nonspecific IgM molecules such as RFs to anti-rubella IgG molecules captured by the affixed antigen is typically disrupted within this pH range, while binding of specific IgM antibodies to immobilized rubella antigen is not disrupted. This patent does not address the problem of assay nonspecificity resulting from the presence of causative factors other than RF, and RF are only present in a subset of tested sera.

Fabrizi et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,300,427, issued Apr. 5, 1994; "Fabrizi") also disclose a method for reducing nonspecific signal generated in IgM ELISAs. Examples include an assay for IgM molecules recognizing "extractive antigens" of rubella. This method comprises dilution of serum with buffer containing type IV collagenase prior to placing the serum in contact with the solid support, upon which is affixed anti-IgM antibodies. The complement system is composed of a set of plasma proteins that attack extracellular pathogens. One of these complement proteins, C1q, which is capable of binding serum IgM antibodies, allegedly interacts nonspecifically with the enzyme-conjugated secondary antibody. Fabrizi teaches that collagenase aids in the separation of serum IgM molecules from attached C1q complement molecules, and thereby improves the specificity of the immunoassay by eliminating false positive signals resulting from the abovementioned nonspecific interaction. This patent does not address the problem of assay nonspecificity resulting from the presence of factors other than crossreactive C1q protein in the biological sample.

There exists a need for an improved immunoassay for the detection of anti-rubella IgM antibodies which eliminates all or most of the false positive results generated by current assays without affecting the sensitivity of the assay.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides improved immunoassays for the detection of anti-rubella IgM antibodies. These assays comprise contacting a test sample suspected of containing anti-rubella IgM antibodies with rubella antigens comprising rubella E1 and E2 glycoproteins substantially free of rubella capsid protein. The present inventor has found that rubella capsid protein may be involved in nonspecific protein-protein interactions leading to false positive assay results.

These assays may further comprise the use of urea in sample diluent. Urea incorporation may further reduce nonspecific binding of IgM molecules to the rubella E1 and E2 glycoproteins used as antigen in the improved immunoassay, thereby further reducing the incidence of false positive assay results.

In additional preferred embodiments, kits and compositions are provided to facilitate performance of the disclosed immunoassays.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Biological samples to be tested by the instant assay are contacted with rubella E1 and E2 envelope glycoproteins substantially free of rubella capsid protein, as Western blots performed by the instant inventors suggest that some of the false positive results generated in other assays may result from nonspecific binding of IgM molecules to the rubella capsid protein. The assays of the instant invention may further comprise addition of urea to sample diluent, in order to further reduce the incidence of nonspecific protein-protein interactions leading to false positive assay results. The method of the instant improved immunoassay typically comprises several steps, as outlined below.

Formation of a Binary Complex

A test sample suspected of containing anti-rubella IgM antibodies is provided. The test sample is contacted with rubella antigens comprising rubella E1 and E2 envelope glycoproteins substantially free of rubella capsid protein. This results in the formation of a binary complex comprising a) the E1 glycoprotein and an anti-rubella IgM antibody specific for the E1 glycoprotein; b) the E2 glycoprotein and an anti-rubella IgM antibody specific for the E2 glycoprotein; or c) a combination of E1 and E2 bound to IgM. The binary complex can be washed several times to effectively remove any uncomplexed material.

Formation of a Labeled Ternary Complex

The binary complex is then contacted with an indicator reagent. The indicator reagent typically comprises a binding molecule capable of complexing with an anti-rubella IgM antibody. This results in the formation of a ternary complex comprising a) the E1 glycoprotein, an anti-rubella IgM antibody specific for the E1 glycoprotein, and the indicator reagent; b) the E2 glycoprotein, an anti-rubella IgM antibody specific for the E2 glycoprotein, and the indicator reagent; or c) E1 and E2 bound to IgM and indicator reagent. The indicator reagent is generally conjugated to a detectable label. This ternary complex can be washed several times to remove any uncomplexed material. The ternary complex will preferably be washed prior to the detection step.

Formation of a Labeled Ternary Complex in a Single Step

Alternatively, the test sample can be contacted with rubella E1 and E2 envelope glycoproteins substantially free of rubella capsid protein and the indicator reagent in a single simultaneous step. A ternary complex (as described above) may form. A complex formed in this manner can be washed to remove uncomplexed material. The ternary complex will preferably be washed prior to the detection step.

Detection and Diagnosis

The ternary complexes can be detected either directly or with a suitable detection agent. The particular detection agent selected will depend on the type of detectable label used. A positive signal indicates the presence of anti-rubella IgM antibodies in the test sample, thereby suggesting that the individual providing the test sample may have recently acquired a primary rubella infection. Conversely, the absence of a signal indicates the absence of anti-rubella IgM antibodies in the test sample.

The organism providing the test sample is generally any organism which contains antibodies. The organism preferably is a mammal, and more preferably is a human.

The test sample can generally be any biological material containing antibodies. Such materials can be processed so that they are provided in a suitable form. The test sample is preferably provided from a bodily fluid, more preferably is provided from blood, and most preferably is provided from serum.

The test sample can be diluted with a sample diluent, which can comprise urea (N₂ H₄ CO). The incorporation of urea, a compound with chaotropic activity, reduces the nonspecific binding of IgM to the abovementioned E1 and E2 envelope glycoproteins and/or a solid phase support material used in the assay. The urea increases the stringency of the antibody:antigen interaction, with the effect that low-avidity complexes resulting in false positive assay results are excluded. Such low avidity complexes can be composed of nonspecific IgM molecules that have bound to cross-reactive epitopes on the rubella E1 or E2 glycoproteins. Preferably, the sample diluent will comprise between about 1 M and about 5 M urea, more preferably between about 2 M and 4 M urea, and most preferably about 3 M urea.

The wash buffer used to wash the bound binary and/or ternary complexes described above can comprise urea. The wash buffer will preferably comprise about 1 M urea to about 5 M urea. More preferably, the wash buffer will comprise about 2 M urea to about 4 M urea, and most preferably about 3 M urea. One of ordinary skill in the art is aware that these wash buffers may otherwise vary in their composition, but still be compatible with the present invention.

The rubella E1 and E2 envelope glycoproteins substantially free of rubella capsid protein can be prepared from any strain of rubella virus, including the Therien, Judith, M33 and HPV₇₇ strains. These E1 and E2 envelope glycoproteins can be purified from capsid protein by any method compatible with the assay of the instant invention. Preferably, these glycoproteins will be purified away from capsid protein through phase separation into detergent micelles, and most preferably, these glycoproteins will be purified according to the method described in Example 1. It will be recognized by those of skill in the art that changes can be made in the specific method described while still obtaining a like or similar result and without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosed method. Alternatively, rubella E1 and E2 glycoproteins substantially free of rubella capsid protein can also be obtained by other methods-well known to those of skill in the art, including alternative purification methodologies, translation in in vitro translation systems, and expression in bacteria, yeast, CHO cells, insect cells, or other cell systems. All such variations are considered equivalent for the purposes of the present invention.

"The E1 and E2 viral glycoproteins substantially free of rubella capsid protein can be immobilized on a solid support. The solid support can be provided in one of many different forms. Representative examples of solid support materials include membranes, filters, glass, plastic, plastic beads, agarose beads, SEPHAROSE.TM. beads (SEPHAROSE.TM. is a registered trademark of Pharmacia Biotech, Piscataway, N.J.), and magnetic beads.

In addition to the different forms, the solid support can be composed of a variety of materials. The solid support is preferably nitrocellulose, polyvinylidene difluoride, nylon, rayon, cellulose acetate, agarose, SEPHAROSE.TM. metal, polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl acetate, polyamide, polyimide, polycarbonate, polyether, polyester, polysulfone, polyacetal, polystyrene, or polymethyl methacrylate; more preferably is polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polyamide, polycarbonate, polyether, polymethyl methacrylate, nitrocellulose, polyvinylidene difluoride, or nylon; and most preferably is polypropylene or polystyrene."

The indicator reagent is typically conjugated to a detectable label. The detectable label can be an enzyme, such as alkaline phosphatase, .beta.-galactosidase, or peroxidase; a protein, such as biotin or digoxin; a fluorochrome, such as rhodamine, phycoerythrin, or fluorescein; a fluorescent protein such as GFP or one of its many modified forms; a radioisotope; or a nucleic acid segment.

Some of these detectable labels can be detected directly. Fluorochromes (Wells and Johnson. In Three-Dimensional Confocal Microscopy, pp. 101-129, 1994) and fluorescent proteins (Sakai et al., J. Cell Biol. 139(6):1465-1476, 1997) can be directly detected with a suitable detection device, such as a fluorescent microscope, fluorescent activated cell sorter (FACS), or fluorometer. Radioisotopes (such as ³² P or ¹²⁵ I) can be detected through the use of a scintillation counter or Geiger counter.

Other labels can be detected indirectly. These labels may require the use of a suitable detection agent. The choice of a suitable detection agent generally depends on which detectable label is used.

For example, if a protein such as biotin is used as the detectable label, a detection agent comprising avidin or streptavidin is generally employed (Bayer et al., Meth. Biochem. Anal. 26: 1-10, 1980). In such cases, a suitable detection agent generally comprises a binding component capable of complexing with the protein. This binding component can be further detected by contacting it with a second detectable label.

Enzymes, such as horseradish peroxidase, alkaline phosphatase, and .beta.-galactosidase, can also be used as detectable labels. Detection agents for enzymes generally utilize a form of the enzyme's substrate. The substrate is typically modified, or provided under a set of conditions, such that a chemiluminescent, colorimetric, or fluorescent signal is observed after the enzyme and substrate have been contacted (Vargas et al., Anal. Biochem. 209: 323, 1993).

Nucleic acids, when used as detectable labels, can be detected through the use of a hybridizing probe. This probe can be conjugated to an additional detectable label which, when placed under suitable conditions, provides a fluorescent, chemiluminescent, colorimetric, or radioactive signal. Alternatively, the nucleic acid can be amplified by means of a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (Dirks et al., J. Histochem. Cytochem. 38:467-476, 1990). The amplified nucleic acid can be easily detected by gel electrophoresis.

Radioisotopes can alternatively be detected indirectly by autoradiography (i.e. exposure to x-ray film).

There are many other suitable detection methods compatible with the instant invention. In each case, the detection agent and its method of use are well known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

A diagnostic kit can be designed to aid in the performance of the above method. Such a kit can contain vessels containing rubella E1 and E2 envelope glycoproteins substantially free of rubella capsid protein and the indicator reagent, respectively. The kit can further contain test sample diluent, various blocking buffers, buffers to aid the formation of binary and ternary complexes, wash buffers, and detection agents. One of ordinary skill in the art is aware that the diluent and buffers can vary in their exact composition, but still be compatible with the present invention. All such variations are considered equivalent for the purposes of the present invention. The test sample diluent and/or wash buffers can comprise urea, as described above.

The rubella E1 and E2 envelope glycoproteins substantially free of rubella capsid protein supplied in the diagnostic kit can be purified as described above from any strain of rubella virus.

The E1 and E2 viral glycoproteins substantially free of rubella capsid protein supplied in the diagnostic kit can be provided already immobilized on a solid support. This solid support can be provided in one of many different forms, and be composed of a variety of materials, as described above.

The diagnostic kit can further comprise a detection agent. As previously mentioned, the choice of a suitable detection agent generally depends on which detectable label is used. Many different detectable labels and detection agents are compatible with the present invention.

The components of the diagnostic kit can be provided in many different forms and quantities. Various types of packaging can also be used. Instructions for the correct use of the kit can be supplied with the kit. Any such alternative embodiments are considered equivalent to the present invention.

In a further preferred embodiment, the invention relates to a composition comprising rubella E1 and E2 envelope glycoproteins substantially free of rubella capsid protein, as described above.

In yet another preferred embodiment, the invention relates to a solid support material having immobilized thereon rubella E1 and E2 envelope glycoproteins substantially free of rubella capsid protein. The rubella E1 and E2 glycoproteins substantially free of rubella capsid protein can be prepared according to any of the methods described above, and can be affixed to any of the solid support materials previously described.

Claim 1 of 14 Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A diagnostic kit to aid in the detection of anti-rubella IgM antibodies, comprising:

a first vessel containing rubella antigens comprising rubella E1 glycoprotein and rubella E2 glycoprotein and substantially free of rubella capsid protein;

wherein the E1 and E2 glycoproteins are purified from rubella virus and a second vessel containing an indicator reagent that specifically complexes with an anti-rubella IgM antibody.

____________________________________________
If you want to learn more about this patent, please go directly to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Web site to access the full patent.

[ Outsourcing Guide ] [ Cont. Education ] [ Software/Reports ] [ Training Courses ]
[ Web Seminars ] [ Jobs ] [ Consultants ] [ Buyer's Guide ] [ Advertiser Info ]

[ Home ] [ Pharm Patents / Licensing ] [ Pharm News ] [ Federal Register ]
[ Pharm Stocks ] [ FDA Links ] [ FDA Warning Letters ] [ FDA Doc/cGMP ]
[ Pharm/Biotech Events ] [ Newsletter Subscription ] [ Web Links ] [ Suggestions ]
[ Site Map ]