Patent ID: 7521176

Claim:
A method of detecting lymphocytes expressing cell-surface gp120 in an aqueous sample containing viral infected cells displaying gp120, comprising: a. combining to form a mixture: i. an effective amount of a plurality of monoclonal antibodies, each specific to a different epitope of gp120, wherein each such monoclonal antibody is attached to one of one or more detectable labels, ii. an effective amount of one or more second antibodies, each comprising an antibody specific for one or more of said detectable labels, wherein each of said second antibodies is attached to a magnetic particle, and iii. the sample; b. incubating said mixture under conditions effective for (i) binding of said monoclonal antibodies to gp120 on said cells, and (ii) for binding of said second antibodies to said detectable labels attached to said monoclonal antibodies, to form a complex, wherein each of said monoclonal antibodies is bound to said gp120 displayed on a viral infected cell; c. separating said complex by applying a magnetic field to said mixture, whereby said complex is retained by said magnetic field, and d. determining the presence of magnetically separated lymphocytes expressing cell-surface gp120.