Patent ID: 6642008
Filing Date: 2003-11-04
Classification: A61K,A61P,C07K,C12N,Y02A

Abstract:
A method for identifying an individual who is latently infected with a Epstein-Barr virus comprisingobtaining a sample comprising cells from the individual, exposing the sample in vitro to an antibody or antibody fragment that specifically binds the extracellular portion of a viral membrane bound protein, wherein the molecule is coupled to a detectable label, cytotoxic agent or solid support selected from the group consisting of LMP1, LMP2A, LMP2B, LP peptides presented in HLA, and EBNA peptides presented in HLA, and detecting the presence of the extracellular portion of the viral protein expressed on the surface of a cell during the latent stage of the viral life cycle.