M. Raulf-heimsoth et al., Development of a monoclonal antibody-based sandwich ELISA for detection ofthe latex allergen Hev b 1, INT A AL IM, 123(3), 2000, pp. 236-241
Background: Natural rubber latex (NRL) products are complex mixtures consis
ting of different allergenic components. Among them, Hev b 1 belongs to the
important and well-characterized ones. To quantify the relevant allergen H
ev b 1 in NRL products, a two-site monoclonal antibody (mAb)-based assay wa
s developed. Methods: Two Hev b 1-specific mAbs with different epitope reco
gnition and ability to bind simultaneously to an Hev b 1 molecule were used
in the study. Both mAbs (114F9 and 114G9) were enriched by in vitro produc
tion in a modular minifermenter and affinity purified. Wells of micro-ELISA
plates coated with captured mAb 114G9 were incubated with samples containi
ng Hev b 1. Bound Hev b 1 was detected by a combination of biotinylated mAb
114F9 as detection antibody and peroxidase-labeled avidin. Results: The op
timized sandwich ELISA was highly reproducible in the linear range of the s
tandard curve and Hev b 1 concentrations ranging from 12.5 to 400 ng/100 mu
I could be detected. The assay was suitable for the detection of Hev b 1 co
ncentrations in latex sap and latex products, e.g. gloves, with a detection
limit of 1.25 mug of Hev b 1/g of rubber. In a preliminary study with five
different brands of latex gloves, Hev b 1 concentrations were found to be
in the range of 18-40 mug per gram of rubber material, corresponding to 2-4
% of the total extractable protein content in latex glove extracts. Conclus
ions: A sensitive sandwich assay was developed to quantify the latex allerg
en Hev b 1. This assay can be used to standardize latex extracts with regar
d to the content of the major allergen Hev b 1. Copyright (C) 2000 S. Karge
r AG, Basel.