Rapid detection systems will be developed for detecting influenza and parainfluenza viruses in clinical specimens based on development of panels of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) which target the major internal, relatively non-variant proteins. Rapid detection of viruses permits identification of the infecting agent in hours rather than days or weeks required with cultivation. Amantadine can be administered for protection against type A influenza, antivirals are becoming available for treatment of infections with other viruses. Detection of increased influenza activity will provide an early signal for increase of vaccine production by manufacturers. M-proteins (M1) and nucleoproteins (NP) will be purified from influenza viruses, types A and B, and parainfluenza viruses, types 1 and 3. These antigens will serve as immunogens for production of hybridomas as well as immunoadsorbents for ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) screening. We have successfully utilized this approach in producing a panel of mAbs to M-protein of type A influenza with application to direct detection of H3N2 and H1N1 influenza viruses in clinical specimens by time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay (TRFIA). MAbs recognizing different antigenic sites and antigens with the highest affinity constants will be combined to produce the most sensitive virus detection systems possible in TRFIA and ELISA systems. The ultimate goal is the development of a simple, rapid assay for detection of both influenza and parainfluenza viruses.
