Newly established monoclonal antibodies for immunological detection of H5N1 influenza virus.

The H5N1 subtype of the highly pathogenic (HP) avian influenza virus has been recognized for its ability to cause serious pandemics among humans. In the present study, new monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against viral proteins were established for the immunological detection of H5N1 influenza virus for research and diagnostic purposes. B-cell hybridomas were generated from mice that had been hyperimmunized with purified A/Vietnam/1194/2004 (NIBRG-14) virion that had been inactivated by UV-irradiation or formaldehyde.

Investigating serum factors promoting erythrocytic growth of Plasmodium falciparum.

The elucidation of factors inducing the growth of Plasmodium falciparum can provide critical information about the developmental mechanisms of this parasite and open the way to search for novel targets for malaria chemotherapy. The ability of components of a growth-promoting factor derived from bovine serum and various related substances to sustain growth of P. falciparum was characterized.