Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of detecting specific cell surface antigens present in a sample of cells being tested and in particular blood group antigens, which methods do not employ the addition of extrinsic labels to detect said cell surface antigens. Typically detection is carried out using an intrinsic fluorescence capability of the cells being tested.

Abstract: A blood testing method for use in the detection of a disease, wherein at least one characteristic antibody or complement factor is bound to a subject's red blood cells, comprises providing a microarray wherein a plurality of binding agents therefor are immobilized on a substrate at discrete pre-defined positions; and contacting a blood sample therewith. The presence of bound red blood cells is then detected.

Abstract: An assay for the detection of antibodies to blood group antigens is provide and includes a solid substrate having immobilised thereon a fragment of cell membrane which presents a blood group antigen capable of binding to a blood group antibody. The cell fragments are preferably from red blood cells. The antigens may be immobilised in the form of an array of spots.

Abstract: A blood testing method for use in the detection of a disease, wherein at least one characteristic antibody or complement factor is bound to a subject's red blood cells, comprises providing a microarray wherein a plurality of binding agents therefor are immobilised on a substrate at discrete pre-defined positions; and contacting a blood sample therewith. The presence of bound red blood cells is then detected.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of detecting specific cell surface antigens present in a sample of cells being tested and in particular blood group antigens, which methods do not employ the addition of extrinsic labels to detect said cell surface antigens. Typically detection is carried out using an intrinsic fluorescence capability of the cells being tested.

Abstract: A recombinant bifunctional fusion protein comprises a first component which is the antigenic ectodomain of measles virus hemagglutinin protein (MeaH) genetically modified not to bind to human cells; and a second component fused thereto which is capable of binding to the surface structure of genetically variable viruses such as HCV or HIV or other therapeutic targets. The second component binds to the target and the first component is recognised by anti-measles antibodies present in the majority of the population. The protein may be used therapeutically to treat HCV or HIV infection or against other therapeutic targets.

Abstract: A recombinant bifunctional fusion protein comprises a first component which is the antigenic ectodomain of measles virus hemagglutinin protein (MeaH) genetically modified not to bind to human cells; and a second component fused thereto which is capable of binding to the surface structure of genetically variable viruses such as HCV or HIV or other therapeutic targets. The second component binds to the target and the first component is recognised by anti-measles antibodies present in the majority of the population. The protein may be used therapeutically to treat HCV or HIV infection or against other therapeutic targets.

Abstract: A method for determining the presence of retroviral RNA or DNA in a sample comprises using one or more detectable oligonucleotides that each hybridise with the primer binding site of a retroviral genome or its complement.