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Conformational Evaluation of HIV-1 Trimeric Envelope Glycoproteins Using a Cell-based ELISA Assay
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Published on: September 14, 2014

[HIV Antigens as complement fixing circulating immune complexes]

P Filippini1, M Guarino, C Lapenta

  • 1Clinica Malattie Tropicali e Subtropicali, Seconda Universita di Napoli, Italy.

Le Infezioni in Medicina
|January 1, 1997
PubMed

Insights

This study introduces a novel ELISA to detect HIV antigens within immune complexes (ICs). The assay identifies HIV antigens in ICs up to 8 months earlier than standard HIV tests.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Virology
  • Biochemistry

Context:

  • Immune complexes (ICs) play a role in various immune responses and diseases.
  • Early detection of HIV infection is crucial for effective management and treatment.
  • Current diagnostic methods for HIV have limitations in early detection.

Purpose:

  • To develop and validate an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) for detecting HIV antigens in circulating complement fixing immune complexes (ICs).
  • To evaluate the efficacy of this novel ELISA in identifying HIV infection earlier than conventional methods.

Summary:

  • An ELISA was developed using F(ab)2 anti-C3b and monoclonal antibodies against HIV gp120 and p24 to detect HIV antigens in ICs.
  • The assay was tested on HIV-positive subjects, at-risk HIV-negative subjects, and healthy controls, as well as seroconversion panels.
  • HIV antigens in ICs were detected in seroconversion panels, 25.5% of HIV-positive subjects, and 28.6% of at-risk subjects, with one subject in the at-risk group seroconverting during the study.

Impact:

  • This novel ELISA can detect HIV antigens in ICs up to 8 months prior to the detection of anti-HIV antibodies and antigens by commercial ELISAs.
  • The findings suggest a potential for earlier HIV diagnosis, enabling timely intervention and improved patient outcomes.
  • The assay's ability to detect HIV antigens in ICs in at-risk individuals may aid in identifying recent infections.

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