Abstract: An immunoassay device comprising a support which has a substantially planar surface 14 on which is located an array of small, closely-spaced, discrete, antibody coated areas (spots) 17. A cover 16 is spaced from the support surface 14 and is positioned over the array of antibody coated spots 17. The cover is attached to the support surface to provide an enclosed chamber 30. In the cover there is at least one aperture communicating with the interior of the chamber 30 for introducing a liquid sample into the chamber. In addition, there is at least one additional aperture 34 in the cover, which also communicates with the interior of the chamber to allow air to escape upon introduction of the sample into the chamber. When a cell sample is introduced into the chamber it immediately fills the chamber and cells will settle uniformly over the matrix. The antibody-coated spots function as tiny immunoadsorbents for cells bearing antigens recognized by the antibody.

Abstract: Gene segments of human T cell lymphotropic virus type III (HTLV-III) were expressed in E. coli as peptides that are reactive with sera from patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Among recombinant peptides one designated HTLV-III polypeptide 121, contained 85 amino acid residues encoded by a gene segment in the env-lor region of the HTLV-III genome. The polypeptide is strongly reactive with AIDS patient sera. The peptide produced and purified as a fusion protein on a large scale. Solid phase immunoassays employing this recombinant peptide as an immunoabsorbent can reliably and reproducibly detect antibodies in sera of patients with HTLV-III infection. In two representative serum panels, the assay detected the presence of antibodies in 120 of 121 sera from patients with AIDS or AIDS-related complex (ARC), and only in 1 of 92 normal controls. Based upon HTLV-III polypeptide 121 as immunoreactive agent, sensitive and specific immunoassays for HTLV-III infection have been developed.

Abstract: Rapid, sensitive and accurate immunoassays for biologically active natural or recombinant human interferon-gamma (huIFN-gamma) based upon monoclonal antibodies which react specifically with epitopes of the biologically active form of huIFN-gamma are disclosed. The immunoassays include sandwich immunoradiometric assay of the forward, reverse or simultaneous type and competitive binding assay such as radioimmunoassay. The assays are also useful for the detection of macrophage activation factor now believed to be identical to huIFN-gamma. In addition, methods of purification of huIFN-gamma employing the monoclonal antibodies are described.