Peptides representing epitopes from filoviruses
Inventors
Assignees
US Department of Health and Human Services
Publication Number
US-12210017-B2
Publication Date
2025-01-28
Expiration Date
2041-01-08
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Abstract
Methods of identifying a subject with a Filovirus infection are provided herein. In some embodiments, the method comprises contacting a biological sample containing antibodies from the subject with one or more peptides comprising amino acid sequences of selected Filovirus epitopes, detecting the presence or absence of an immune complex of antibodies from the biological sample with the one or more peptides; and wherein the presence of the immune complex identifies the subject as having Filovirus infection and the absence of the immune complex identifies the subject as not having Filovirus infection. Further provided are isolated peptides for use in such methods, as well as a solid support linked to one or more of the disclosed peptides.
Core Innovation
The invention provides methods of identifying a subject with a Filovirus infection by detecting antibodies in a biological sample that specifically bind to one or more peptides comprising amino acid sequences from selected Filovirus epitopes. The presence of an immune complex formed between the antibodies and these peptides identifies the subject as having a Filovirus infection, and its absence identifies the subject as not having such an infection. Isolated peptides comprising these epitopes, as well as solid supports linked to these peptides, are also provided for use in these detection methods.
The peptide sequences represent antigenic sites from multiple Filovirus proteins including NP, VP35, VP40, VP30, and VP24. The biological sample for testing can be any sample containing antibodies, such as blood, plasma, urine, eye tissue, serum, saliva, semen, breast milk, synovial fluid, or cerebrospinal fluid. The methods can identify both acute and chronic Filovirus infections, including persistent infections in immune privileged tissues such as eye, testis, synovium, or meninges. The method can also be used in subjects previously immunized with a Filovirus vaccine.
In addition to detection methods, the invention provides isolated peptides corresponding to the identified antigenic epitopes, which are no more than 150 amino acids in length and can be linked to solid supports or carriers for detection or immunization purposes. Methods are described to use these peptides to elicit immune responses in subjects to prevent or treat Filovirus infections. Furthermore, detection of Filovirus infection can be coupled with treatment, such as administration of anti-viral agents including monoclonal antibodies that bind to Filovirus proteins and inhibit infection.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes two independent claims that cover methods for identifying Filovirus-specific antibodies in biological samples and methods of identifying infection in subjects by detecting immune complexes with specific peptides, accompanied by treatment.
Use of specific Filovirus epitope peptides for antibody detection
The method involves contacting a biological sample with one or more peptides comprising amino acid sequences selected from SEQ ID NOs: 1-14, which are no more than 150 amino acids in length, and detecting immune complexes formed between the peptides and Filovirus-specific antibodies. The presence or absence of the immune complex identifies the biological sample as containing or not containing Filovirus-specific antibodies.
Detecting Filovirus infection in subjects using defined peptides and subsequent treatment
The method comprises contacting a biological sample from a subject with peptides comprising amino acid sequences selected from SEQ ID NOs: 1-14 and detecting immune complexes between the sample antibodies and these peptides. Upon identifying infection, the method includes administering a therapeutically effective amount of an anti-viral agent to inhibit the Filovirus infection.
The independent claims cover methods employing the specified Filovirus epitope peptides to detect antibodies in biological samples for diagnostic purposes, and include treatment of identified infections using anti-viral agents. These claims define the use of discrete peptide sequences for specific and sensitive detection of Filovirus infection and subsequent therapeutic intervention.
Stated Advantages
Methods provide sensitive and specific detection of Filovirus infection by targeting antibodies against defined conserved epitopes.
Use of peptides enables detection of acute and chronic infections, including virus persistence in immune privileged tissues.
The identification of antigenic sites guides vaccine design and therapeutic development by elucidating neutralizing and protective epitopes.
Enhanced ability to differentiate between natural infection and vaccine-induced immunity, improving diagnosis and surveillance.
Documented Applications
Identification of subjects infected with Filovirus, including acute and chronic infections, using antibody detection assays.
Detection of Filovirus-specific antibodies in biological samples for diagnosis and epidemiological surveillance.
Use of isolated peptides as diagnostic reagents linked to solid supports or detectable labels in immunoassays such as ELISA or lateral flow assays.
Administration of peptides or peptide conjugates as immunogens to elicit protective immune responses preventing or treating Filovirus infection.
Treatment of identified Filovirus infections by administering anti-viral agents including monoclonal antibodies that inhibit viral infection.
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