NS1-NP Diagnostics of Influenza Virus Infection

Abstract

The present application describes methods for assessing influenza infection, including prognosis. An assay that determines the amount of the NS1 and NP proteins of influenza virus shows enhanced sensitivity and reliability compared to either antigen alone. Many formats employ pan-specific antibodies (i.e., that react with all or at least with multiple strains within an influenza type).

1 - 42 . (canceled) 
     
     
         43 . An array comprising at least one first agent that binds to influenza virus non-structural 1 (NS1) protein and at least one agent that binds to influenza virus nucleoprotein (NP) protein. 
     
     
         44 . The array of  claim 43 , wherein at least one NS1-binding agent and/or at least one NP-binding agent is an antibody or a Post synaptic density protein 95 (PSD95)/ Drosophila  discs large tumor suppressor (DlgA)/ Zonula occludens  1 protein (ZO1) (PDZ) polypeptide. 
     
     
         45 . The array of  claim 43 , comprising at least two pan-specific NS1 antibodies and/or at least two pan-specific NP antibodies. 
     
     
         46 . The array of  claim 43 , comprising at least two subtype-specific NS1 antibodies and/or at least two subtype-specific NP antibodies. 
     
     
         47 . The array of  claim 43 , wherein the array comprises at least one antibody specific for influenza A NS1 and at least one antibody specific for influenza B NS1. 
     
     
         48 . The array of  claim 43 , wherein the array comprises at least one antibody specific for influenza A NP and at least one antibody specific for influenza B NP. 
     
     
         49 . The array of  claim 43 , further comprising at least one agent that binds to an influenza virus matrix (M1) protein and at least one agent that binds to an influenza virus hemagglutinin (HA) protein. 
     
     
         50 . A kit for the assessment of an influenza virus infection in a subject, comprising: (a) a first agent for determining the amount of influenza virus non-structural 1 (NS1) protein, and (b) a second agent for determining the amount of influenza virus nucleoprotein (NP) protein. 
     
     
         51 . The kit of  claim 50 , when the first agent or the second agent comprises at least one antibody. 
     
     
         52 . The array of  claim 44 , comprising at least two pan-specific NS1 antibodies and/or at least two pan-specific NP antibodies. 
     
     
         53 . The array of  claim 44 , further comprising at least one agent that binds to an influenza virus matrix (M1) protein and at least one agent that binds to an influenza virus hemagglutinin (HA) protein. 
     
     
         54 . The array of  claim 45 , further comprising at least one agent that binds to an influenza virus matrix (M1) protein and at least one agent that binds to an influenza virus hemagglutinin (HA) protein. 
     
     
         55 . The array of  claim 46 , further comprising at least one agent that binds to an influenza virus matrix (M1) protein and at least one agent that binds to an influenza virus hemagglutinin (HA) protein. 
     
     
         56 . The array of  claim 47 , further comprising at least one agent that binds to an influenza virus matrix (M1) protein and at least one agent that binds to an influenza virus hemagglutinin (HA) protein. 
     
     
         57 . The array of  claim 48 , further comprising at least one agent that binds to an influenza virus matrix (M1) protein and at least one agent that binds to an influenza virus hemagglutinin (HA) protein.