Use of epitope-modifying chemical crosslinking agents to produce surface-binding antigenic constructs for epitopespecific antibody detection

Abstract

The invention provides: surface-binding antigenic constructs for epitope-specific antibody detection; methods for producing said constructs using epitope-modifying crosslinking agents (e.g., glutaraldehyde), said agents abrogating molecular recognition underlying said epitope specific antibody detection when used in excess; methods for detecting epitope-specific antibodies in an immunoassay using said constructs as capture antigens and / or probes; use of said constructs in a process of detecting said antibodies; and epitope-specific antibody-detection systems comprising said constructs as capture antigens and / or probes.