Determination of human antibodies to specific antigens of cytomegalovirus using an antigen capture immunoassay.

The antigen capture immunoassay which is described herein is based on the binding of specific antigens of cytomegalovirus (CMV) by monoclonal antibodies bound to a solid phase. The specificity of the binding was demonstrated by the analysis of antigens labelled with [35S]methionine and captured by the bound monoclonal antibodies. These specific antigens are recognized in turn by specific anti-cytomegalovirus antibodies in human sera. The immunoassay permits quantitation of these specific anti-cytomegalovirus antibodies and should facilitate both qualitative and quantitative comparisons of the antibodies against specific CMV antigens in different individuals.