Analysis of cDNA and gDNA libraries of human herpesvirus 6 by monoclonal antibodies to virus infected cells.

Abstract

A novel herpesvirus, human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) has recently been isolated from patients with AIDS, chronic fatigue syndrane, and certain leukemias. Reactive serum to HHV-6 has also been detected in high titers fran patients with other diseases and in low titers from healthy populations. sero-epidemiological data indicate that this virus is common in human populations and is encountered early in life. Of significance is the fact that it may play a direct and/or indirect role in specific disease processes. If so, diagnostic measures must be found in order to develop a clinical regimen for HHV-6 associated disease. To assay viral components, viral proteins must be generated in large quantities. Using copy DNA (cmA) and genanic DNA (gDNA) libraries, two m:moclonal antibodies have been found that react with viral antigen. These antibodies (1306 and 2D6) appear to bind the same antigen from the genanic library and may be identical in their idiotypic structure. A third antibody (9A5) failed to react with a fusion product on Western blot. Because the libraries represent the entire genane of HHV-6, other viral proteins can also be studied and location of their genes mapped.