An enzyme-linked immunoassay for the detection of antibodies to endoplasmic reticulum

A simple, sensitive solid-phase assay for the detection of antibodies to endoplasmic reticulum is described. The assay is dependent upon the amount of antigen bound to the solid support and upon the amount of antibody bound to the support via the relevant antigen. The assay can be used to measure both polyclonal and monoclonal antibody to endoplasmic reticulum. It has been used to isolate several monoclonal antibodies which can recognize and precipitate specific proteins of the endoplasmic reticulum. In addition, it has been used to probe the membrane orientation of endoplasmic reticulum antigens.