Development of a rapid diagnostic test for HTLV types 1 and 2 infection

• Grant number: 23/13969-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: January 01, 2024
• End date: December 31, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Pharmacy
• Principal Investigator: Elisa Maria de Sousa Russo
• Grantee: Mylena de Paula
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto (FCFRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

HTLV-1/2 retroviruses are lymphotropic of primate T cells, with type 1 infecting more TCD4+ lymphocytes and type 2 TCD8+ lymphocytes. These viruses can cause several disabling diseases, mainly adult T-cell leukemia (ATL) and tropical spastic paraparesis or HTLV-associated myelopathy (TSP/HAM). There is an extensive national demand for the production of new recombinant proteins for the development of immunobiologicals for the production of diagnostic kits, mainly in the point-of-care format, to expand access to the diagnosis of HTLV-1/2 infection. Although there are similar technologies on the Brazilian market, the majority are of foreign origin. Thereby, the objective of the project is the national production of a rapid diagnostic and differential test for HTLV-1/2, using immunochromatography and lateral flow methodology, which can be used in a decentralized manner and characterized by portability and ease of use. To develop the test, a method will be used based on the reaction of impregnated and dried reagents on a nitrocellulose membrane, which are carried and reactive to fluid samples. Metallic nanoparticles conjugated with recombinant proteins will be used to detect antibodies against the HTLV-1/2 virus.