Question:

I would like to perform an HSV antigen ELISA, to evaluate the production of HSV virions on different type of cell cultures by using the supernatant of culture. You sell many HSV-specific antibodies. Do you have any publication using these antibodies for ELISA assays ? Thank you for your information.

Resolution:

This type of assay is fairly easily accomplished when the correct protein is chosen upon which to base the assay. Most viral ELISA assays are based upon detection of the major capsid or matrix proteins and Herpes Simplex is no exception. Construct your assay aroung VP5 (ICP5) and include virus lysis in your sample preparation step. VP5 represents approximately 12% (by mass) of the total protein of the virus - about 800 molecules per virus. Glycoprotein D (VP18) is present in similar amounts but its integral membrane structure will make it difficult to solubilize effectively. Use antibody #HA018 anti-ICP5 as your capture reagent and a polyclonal anti-HSV as your detection antibody. We currently don't offer the polyclonal but could certainly make it for you, see Custom Chicken Antibodies.