GSJ:Received May 16, 2005: http://wbabin.net/saba/saba39.htm

Nadeau, et al (1) teach Immuno-amplification wherein, and I quote: "a first proximity member, comprising a first analyte-specific binding entity that is capable of forming a complex with the analyte and that is conjugated to a first oligonucleotide moiety comprising a first portion; (c) a second proximity member, comprising a second analyte-specific binding entity that is capable of forming a complex with the analyte and that is conjugated to a second oligonucleotide moiety comprising a portion that is capable of hybridizing to the first portion of the first oligonucleotide."

Herein is disclosed a different type of immuno-amplification utilizing a latent primer, some thereof previously described (2). Self explanatory Figure 1 exemplifies the material and methods.

In this example the RCA template is stably hybridized to probe-conjugated antibody, yet with the appropriate design of probe and primer, the RCA template would not associate with either till they were proximal.

A well know technique utilizes primer-conjugated antibodies and rolling circle amplification templates to detect antigens, such as those in a protein microarray. The technique requires two steps.

Figure 2 represents an interesting derivation utilizing a support (e.g., biochip or particle) affixed latent primer.

Notice that the primers could be switched, such that the oligo on the support is conjugated to the antibody, and the that on the antibody affixed to the support. Furthermore notice that the support-affixed latent primer could be conjugated to the target protein instead.

Figure 3 is yet another derivation of the invention utilizing cell surface proteins as targets.

It is to be appreciated that the stable complex formed by the hybridization of the probe-conjugated antibody with the RCA template is novel, and useful for other purposes such as exemplified in Figure 4.

Finally, notice the novelty in that the support- or target-affixed latent primers exemplified in Figures 2 and 3, could be combined with an antibody directly conjugated to an amplification template, such as described by Nadeau, et al (1).

This invention, as most inventions described in this journal, is at the conceptual stage and a patent is anticipated. However, it is hoped that those with laboratories will investigate its full potential.

Of course several modifications of the above examples can be envisioned. The following provisional claims attempt to encompass just some of the important features of the invention.

Provisional Claims