AVC Dx-2 Influenza Diagnostic

Arbor Vita is developing a PDZ-based influenza test for which it has promising preliminary data. This test detects both influenza A and B virus in a manner similar to current flu tests, and specifically detects highly pathogenic strains such as H5N1 ("Bird Flu"). It is being designed as a rapid point-of-care test for monitoring and triage of infections in both humans and animals. Given the inherent simplicity of this test, the company plans to have a commercial prototype ready in 2006.

Recently, a characteristic feature of the avian flu was reported that may facilitate its early detection. NS1, a viral protein that appears to be used by influenza to inhibit interferon-related host defenses, exists in a specific form in H5N1 avian flu. The avian NS1 binds to PDZ proteins that do not bind NS1 from typical human influenza. Binding of PDZ domains—modules that mediate protein complex formation by binding the C-termini of their targets—has been utilized by other viruses to cause disease, and may be one of the causes for the great virulence of the current avian flu. Regardless of its role in disease, this property appears to be the common element shared by all avian viruses and thus provides a unique biochemical handle that should be exploited for diagnosis of today's and tomorrow's avian flu infection.