Date of Award
12-2004
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Biological Sciences
First Advisor
Dr. Karim Essani
Second Advisor
Dr. John Geiser
Third Advisor
Dr. Brian Tripp
Access Setting
Masters Thesis-Open Access
Abstract
The initial symptoms of a Tanapoxvirus (TPV) infection are indistinguishable from smallpox, which is caused by variola virus (VV). In the post-9/11 area, reagents that can quickly differentiate a TPV infection from smallpox are very desirable, but currently unavailable. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) directed specifically against TPV can be used for this purpose. Six mAbs were developed and characterized that specifically bind to TPV infected owl monkey kidney (OMK) cells, but not uninfected cells. The apparent molecular mass of the TPV protein(s) recognized by 5 mAbs were calculated using the Western blot technique. One mAb demonstrated no binding using the Western blot technique, but demonstrated specific binding to TPV protein(s) by ELISA and indirect immunofluorescence microscopy. Since TPV is included in the genus Yatapoxvirus and the VV is included in the genus Orthopoxvirus, with no immunological cross-reactivity, it is presumed that these antibodies will react with TPV proteins and not VV proteins.
Recommended Citation
Franz, Michael, "Development and Characterization of Monoclonal Antibodies Directed Against Tanapox Virus" (2004). Masters Theses. 4559.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/masters_theses/4559