Description:
This CDC-developed invention pertains to multivalent antigenic peptides (MAPs) that can be used in a variety of HIV/AIDS diagnostics. There are two types of HIV: HIV-1 and HIV-2. HIV-1 is subdivided into groups M, N, and O, while HIV-2 is subdivided into subtypes A and B. Within HIV -1 group M, several different subtypes and numerous forms of recombinant viruses exist. To detect all types, groups, and subtypes of HIV by serological methods, a mixture of antigens derived from different viral strains representing different HIV types and subtypes is needed. However, due to the competition and dilution effect, mixing multiple antigens may reduce the amount of individual antigen bound to the solid phase and lead to a reduction in assay sensitivity.
It is known that MAPs, which contain multiple branches of an oligopeptide sequence, are more antigenic than the corresponding single chain linear peptides. The MAPs encompassed by this technology contain multiple branches of oligopeptides of different sequences, derived from HIV-1 group M, N, O, and HIV-2. Thus, depending on the peptide sequences incorporated, a single MAP can be used to detect HIV-1 group M alone, HIV-2 alone, or to simultaneously detect HIV-1 groups M, N, O, and HIV-2 with high sensitivity and specificity.