Production of antigens for ELISA

Abstract

Immunologic assays such as ELISA allow detection of either virus antigens or the host’s immune response to antigens associated with prior infections and offer a powerful means to approach understanding the epidemiology and epizootiology of these agents. However, the success of these assays is highly dependent on the production of high-quality materials both to establish the assays (i.e., antigen target for antibody) and to serve as controls for establishing assay parameters and sensitivity. Here we describe methods for preparing ebolavirus antigens suitable for use as either reagents or controls in a variety of ELISA formats. Considering work with filoviruses is typically restricted to maximum containment laboratories; thus, we also provide methods for inactivating and safety testing of these antigens for safe use in properly established field laboratories.