Isolated and purified envelope protein of HTLV-I is provided devoid of non-envelope protein of HTLV-I and having substantially the same conformation as the envelope protein in native HTLV-I. The protein is produced recombinantly using a dual vaccinia/T7 polymerase system. Non-glycosylated and glycosylated forms of the protein are produced. Glycosylated forms are recognized by antibodies specific for the envelope protein of HTLV-I. Monoclonal antibodies are provided which are specific for the HTLV-I envelope protein and non-binding to HTLV-I envelope protein in denatured form. The HTLV-I envelope protein is cross-reactive with antibodies of HTLV-II and STLV. The envelope protein is useful in diagnosis of infection by HTLV-I and HTLV-II.

La proteína aislada y purificada del sobre de HTLV-I es desprovista proporcionado de la proteína del no-sobre de HTLV-I y del tener substancialmente la misma conformación que la proteína del sobre en HTLV-I nativo. Se produce la proteína recombinantly usando un sistema dual de la polimerasa vaccinia/T7. las formas No-non-glycosylated y glycosylated de la proteína se producen. Las formas glycosylated son reconocidas por los anticuerpos específicos para la proteína del sobre de HTLV-I. Se proporcionan los anticuerpos monoclonal que son específicos para la proteína del sobre de HTLV-I y non-binding a la proteína del sobre de HTLV-I en forma desnaturalizada. La proteína del sobre de HTLV-I es cruz-reactiva con los anticuerpos de HTLV-II y de STLV. La proteína del sobre es útil en la diagnosis de la infección de HTLV-I y de HTLV-II.