EP1564554A1 — Method for the detection of early B cell populations in vaccine development

USPTO Abstract

The present invention discloses an affinity-binding assay comprising a particle having at least four copies of a target molecule and at least two binding molecules specific for said target molecule, wherein a first of said binding molecules is associated with a first label and a second of said binding molecules is associated with a second label, wherein a particle having said first label and a particle having said second label are distinguishable from a particle having both said first and said second label, wherein said first and said second binding molecule each comprise at least two binding regions specific for said target molecule. <??>The present invention also discloses a composition comprising a first binding molecule associated with a first label and a second binding molecule associated with a second label, wherein the signal obtained from said first label and said second label is distinguishable from the combined signal of said first and second label, characterised in that said first and said second binding molecule each comprise at least two binding regions specific for essentially the same target molecule, preferably for essentially the same epitope on said target molecule and a method for selecting a synthetic antigen from a collection of at least three antigens comprising using the disclosed composition and method. <??>The invention further discloses an antigen obtainable by above described method and capable of inducing an early immune response, a kit of parts to perform said method, the use of antigens selected by said methods for use as a vaccine, and the use of antibodies and antigens as a medicament.