Abstract: The subject invention relates a method for the production of monoclonal antibodies. The method utilizes an immunized germfree animal. The invention also provides methods for the use of such monoclonal antibodies, and polyclonal antibodies derived from an immunized germfree animal, for in vitro and in vivo clinical diagnostics and therapeutics. Also, the subject invention provides a fibrin-specific monoclonal antibody.

Abstract: The subject invention relates a method for the production of monoclonal antibodies. The method utilizes an immunized germfree animal. The invention also provides methods for the use of such monoclonal antibodies, and polyclonal antibodies derived from an immunized germfree animal, for in vitro and in vivo clinical diagnostics and therapeutics. Also, the subject invention provides a fibrin-specific monoclonal antibody.

Abstract: The subject invention relates a method for the production of monoclonal antibodies. The method utilizes an immunized germfree animal. The invention also provides methods for the use of such monoclonal antibodies, and polyclonal antibodies derived from an immunized germfree animal, for in vitro and in vivo clinical diagnostics and therapeutics. Also, the subject invention provides a fibrin-specific monoclonal antibody.

Abstract: The subject invention relates a method for the production of monoclonal antibodies. The method utilizes an immunized germfree animal. The invention also provides methods for the use of such monoclonal antibodies, and polyclonal antibodies derived from an immunized germfree animal, for in vitro and in vivo clinical diagnostics and therapeutics. Also, the subject invention provides a fibrin-specific monoclonal antibody.

Abstract: A method of obtaining lymphocytes making a highly specific antibody by immunizing an antigen-free mouse and removing the blood, lymph nodes or spleen from the immunized mouse. Alternatively, a method of making highly specific poly clonal antibodies by immunizing an antigen-free mouse and removing serum from the mouse. Specific embodiments include multiple immunizations, immunizations with dissolved antigens, and immunizations with adjuvants.

Abstract: An in vitro immunoassay to detect and quantitate soluble crosslinked and non-crosslinked DesAABB fibrin polymers in a sample from a subject. The assay can be used to support a diagnosis of, to evaluate, and to monitor, in a mammalian subject, a thrombotic event, including, but not limited to, myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, stroke and deep vein thrombosis.

Abstract: The subject invention relates a method for the production of monoclonal antibodies. The method utilizes an immunized antigen free animal. The invention also provides a method for the use of such monoclonal antibodies, and polyclonal antibodies derived from an immunized antigen free animal, for in vitro and in vivo clinical diagnostics and therapeutics. Also, the subject invention provides a fibrin-specific monoclonal antibody.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to a fibrin-specific monoclonal antibody wherein said monoclonal antibody does not crossreact with: (a) fibrinogen, (b) plasmin derived fibrinogen degradation products and (c) plasmin derived fibrin degradation products.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to a fibrinogen-specific monoclonal antibody wherein said monoclonal antibody: (a) binds to the isolated A.alpha. chain of fibrinogen, (b) does not prolong the conversion time of fibrinogen to fibrin by thrombin, (c) binds to fibrin and (d) does not crossreact with plasmin derived fibrinogen degradation products. The subject invention also covers the use of such a monoclonal antibody in an immunoassay for the determination of plasma fibrinogen levels in vitro.

Abstract: The present invention relates to recombinant vector/host systems which can direct the expression of foreign genes under the control of the Heliothis polyhedrin promoter. Using the systems of the present invention, a heterologous gene of interest can be expressed as an unfused peptide or protein, a fusion protein, or as a recombinant occlusion body which comprises crystallized polyhedrin fusion proteins bearing the heterologous gene product on the surface of or within the occlusion body. The recombinant proteins or occlusion bodies of the present invention have uses in vaccine formulations and immunoassays, as biological insecticides, and as expression systems for the production of foreign peptides or proteins.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to recombinant baculoviruses which encode fusion polyhedrin proteins capable of forming occlusion bodies containing foreign peptides. The recombinant baculoviruses of the invention are formed by insertion into or replacement of regions of the polyhedrin gene that are not essential for occlusion body formation, with foreign DNA fragments by recombinant DNA techniques. The recombinant occlusion bodies produced in accordance with the present invention have uses in vaccine formulations, immunoassays, immobilized enzyme reactions, as biological insecticides, and as expression vectors.