IP Library Granted Patent US 12,534,751
Granted Patent B1
US 12,534,751 · App. 19/172,702 · Granted Jan 27, 2026

Products for protein analyte detection assays using antibodies

Inventors: John Broberg (Uppsala, SE); Martin Lundberg (Uppsala, SE); Lotta Wik (Uppsala, SE)
Assignee: OLINK PROTEOMICS AB
C12Q1/6804C12Q1/6813
View Patent ↗
Loading inventors, assignments & file history…
Monitor This Case
Get email alerts when status or documents change.
Order Certified Copies
Most orders are placed with the USPTO same day — all within 24 business hours.
Order via The Patent Place →
Pre-filled with this patent's details
Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 12,534,751
App. No.
19/172,702
Granted
Jan 27, 2026
Kind
B1
Abstract

Products for detecting a plurality of protein analytes comprise a plurality of proximity probe pairs comprising first and second proximity probes having an antibody or antibody fragment specific for the same protein analyte and a nucleic acid domain, which probes can simultaneously bind to the analyte. Each pair is specific for a different analyte. Each nucleic acid domain comprises an ID sequence and at least a first hybridisation sequence. In each probe pair, ID sequences correspond to a particular analyte, and the probes comprise paired hybridisation sequences. For each probe pair, a splint oligonucleotide comprises hybridisation sequences complementary to each of the paired hybridisation sequences. When probes bind to their protein analyte, the respective paired hybridisation sequences can hybridise to the splint oligonucleotide. At least one pair of hybridisation sequences is shared by at least two pairs of proximity probes. A plurality of sample index oligonucleotides is also included.

Claims (71)

1 . A product for detecting a plurality of protein analytes in a sample, comprising:

(i) a plurality of proximity probe pairs, wherein each proximity probe pair comprises a first proximity probe and a second proximity probe, and each proximity probe comprises:

(a) an antibody or antibody fragment specific for a protein analyte; and

(b) a nucleic acid domain,

wherein both proximity probes within each proximity probe pair comprise antibodies or antibody fragments specific for the same protein analyte, and can simultaneously bind to the protein analyte, wherein all proximity probe pairs specific for the same protein analyte comprise a species of proximity probe pairs, and each species of proximity probe pairs is specific for a different protein analyte;

wherein the nucleic acid domain of each proximity probe comprises an identification (ID) sequence and at least a first hybridisation sequence, wherein the ID sequences of each species of proximity probe pairs correspond to a particular protein analyte; and

wherein in each proximity probe pair, the first proximity probe and the second proximity probe comprise paired hybridisation sequences;

(ii) for each species of proximity probe pairs, a splint oligonucleotide which comprises hybridisation sequences complementary to each of the paired hybridisation sequences of the first proximity probe and the second proximity probe;

wherein the hybridisation sequences of each proximity probe pair are configured such that when the first proximity probe and the second proximity probe are bound to their protein analyte, the respective paired hybridisation sequences of the first proximity probe and the second proximity probe hybridise to the splint oligonucleotide; and wherein at least one pair of hybridisation sequences is shared by at least two species of proximity probe pairs;

(iii) a plurality of sample index oligonucleotides having nucleotide sequences for identifying respective source samples; and

(iv) one or more background probes which do not bind an analyte, said background probes comprising a nucleic acid domain comprising an ID sequence and a hybridisation sequence shared with at least one proximity probe.

2 . The product of claim 1 , wherein at least one pair of hybridisation sequences is unique to a single species of proximity probe pairs.

3 . The product of claim 1 , wherein no more than 10 species of proximity probe pairs share the same pair of hybridisation sequences.

4 . The product of claim 1 , wherein at least 75% of the species of proximity probe pairs share their pair of hybridisation sequences with another species of proximity probe pairs.

5 . The product of claim 1 , wherein in each proximity probe pair, one or both nucleic acid domains are partially double-stranded.

6 . The product of claim 5 , wherein in each proximity probe pair, both nucleic acid domains are partially double-stranded.

7 . The product of claim 5 , wherein the nucleic acid domains of each proximity probe pair comprise paired hybridisation sequences capable of hybridising to the splint oligonucleotide to form a duplex, and wherein the nucleic acid domain of the first proximity probe is capable of directly or indirectly ligating to the nucleic acid domain of the second proximity probe to generate a ligation product comprising the ID sequence of the first proximity probe and the ID sequence of the second proximity probe, when the nucleic acid domains are subjected to a ligation reaction.

8 . The product of claim 1 , wherein the nucleic acid domains of each of the proximity probe pairs hybridise to the splint oligonucleotide such that there is a gap between the 3′ terminus of one nucleic acid domain and the 5′ terminus of the other nucleic acid domain.

9 . The product of claim 1 , wherein the ID sequence of each proximity probe species within a species of proximity probe pairs is different from the ID sequence of the other proximity probe species within the species of proximity probe pairs.

10 . The product of claim 1 , wherein the ID sequences of the proximity probe species within a species of proximity probe pairs are barcode sequences and are the same as one another.

11 . The product of claim 1 , comprising species of proximity probe pairs for detecting at least 25 analytes.

12 . The product of claim 1 , comprising species of proximity probe pairs for detecting at least 50 analytes.

13 . The product of claim 1 , comprising species of proximity probe pairs for detecting at least 100 analytes.

14 . A product for detecting a plurality of protein analytes in a sample, comprising:

(i) a plurality of proximity probe pairs, wherein each proximity probe pair comprises a first proximity probe and a second proximity probe, and each proximity probe comprises:

(a) an antibody or antibody fragment specific for a protein analyte; and

(b) a nucleic acid domain,

wherein both proximity probes within each proximity probe pair comprise antibodies or antibody fragments specific for the same protein analyte, and can simultaneously bind to the protein analyte, wherein all proximity probe pairs specific for the same protein analyte comprise a species of proximity probe pairs, and each species of proximity probe pairs is specific for a different protein analyte;

wherein the nucleic acid domain of each proximity probe comprises an identification (ID) sequence and at least a first hybridisation sequence, wherein the ID sequences of each species of proximity probe pairs correspond to a particular protein analyte; and

wherein in each proximity probe pair, the first proximity probe and the second proximity probe comprise paired hybridisation sequences and one or both nucleic acid domains are partially double-stranded,

wherein at least one partially double-stranded nucleic acid domain comprises

a first oligonucleotide conjugated to the analyte-binding domain; and

a hybridisation oligonucleotide comprising, from 5′ to 3′, the first hybridisation sequence, the ID sequence and a second hybridisation sequence, and the ID sequence is located in a single-stranded part of the nucleic acid domain;

(ii) for each species of proximity probe pairs, a splint oligonucleotide which comprises hybridisation sequences complementary to each of the paired hybridisation sequences of the first proximity probe and the second proximity probe;

wherein the hybridisation sequences of each proximity probe pair are configured such that when the first proximity probe and the second proximity probe are bound to their protein analyte, the respective paired hybridisation sequences of the first proximity probe and the second proximity probe hybridise to the splint oligonucleotide; and wherein at least one pair of hybridisation sequences is shared by at least two species of proximity probe pairs; and

(iii) a plurality of sample index oligonucleotides having nucleotide sequences for identifying respective source samples.

15 . The product of claim 14 , further comprising one or more background probes which do not bind an analyte, said background probes comprising a nucleic acid domain comprising an ID sequence and a hybridisation sequence shared with at least one proximity probe.

16 . The product of claim 14 , wherein at least one pair of hybridisation sequences is unique to a single species of proximity probe pairs.

17 . The product of claim 14 , wherein no more than 10 species of proximity probe pairs share the same pair of hybridisation sequences.

18 . The product of claim 14 , wherein at least 75% of the species of proximity probe pairs share their pair of hybridisation sequences with another species of proximity probe pairs.

19 . The product of claim 14 , wherein in each proximity probe pair, both nucleic acid domains are partially double-stranded.

20 . The product of claim 14 , wherein the nucleic acid domains of each proximity probe pair comprise paired hybridisation sequences capable of hybridising to the splint oligonucleotide to form a duplex, and wherein the nucleic acid domain of the first proximity probe is capable of directly or indirectly ligating to the nucleic acid domain of the second proximity probe to generate a ligation product comprising the ID sequence of the first proximity probe and the ID sequence of the second proximity probe, when the nucleic acid domains are subjected to a ligation reaction.

21 . The product of claim 14 , wherein the nucleic acid domains of each of the proximity probe pairs hybridise to the splint oligonucleotide such that there is a gap between the 3′ terminus of one nucleic acid domain and the 5′ terminus of the other nucleic acid domain.

22 . The product of claim 14 , wherein the ID sequence of each proximity probe species within a species of proximity probe pairs is different from the ID sequence of the other proximity probe species within the species of proximity probe pairs.

23 . The product of claim 14 , wherein the ID sequences of the proximity probe species within a species of proximity probe pairs are barcode sequences and are the same as one another.

24 . The product of claim 14 , comprising species of proximity probe pairs for detecting at least 25 analytes.

25 . The product of claim 14 , comprising species of proximity probe pairs for detecting at least 50 analytes.

26 . The product of claim 14 , comprising species of proximity probe pairs for detecting at least 100 analytes.

27 . A product for detecting a plurality of protein analytes in a sample, comprising:

(i) a plurality of proximity probe pairs, wherein each proximity probe pair comprises a first proximity probe and a second proximity probe, and each proximity probe comprises:

(a) an antibody or antibody fragment specific for a protein analyte; and

(b) a nucleic acid domain,

wherein both proximity probes within each proximity probe pair comprise antibodies or antibody fragments specific for the same protein analyte, and can simultaneously bind to the protein analyte, wherein all proximity probe pairs specific for the same protein analyte comprise a species of proximity probe pairs, and each species of proximity probe pairs is specific for a different protein analyte;

wherein the nucleic acid domain of each proximity probe comprises an identification (ID) sequence and at least a first hybridisation sequence, wherein the ID sequences of each species of proximity probe pairs correspond to a particular protein analyte; and

wherein in each proximity probe pair, the first proximity probe and the second proximity probe comprise paired hybridisation sequences, one or both nucleic acid domains are partially double-stranded, and the nucleic acid domains of both proximity probes in a pair are conjugated to the protein-binding domain by their 5′ ends;

(ii) for each species of proximity probe pairs, a splint oligonucleotide which comprises hybridisation sequences complementary to each of the paired hybridisation sequences of the first proximity probe and the second proximity probe;

wherein the hybridisation sequences of each proximity probe pair are configured such that when the first proximity probe and the second proximity probe are bound to their protein analyte, the respective paired hybridisation sequences of the first proximity probe and the second proximity probe hybridise to the splint oligonucleotide; and wherein at least one pair of hybridisation sequences is shared by at least two species of proximity probe pairs; and

(iii) a plurality of sample index oligonucleotides having nucleotide sequences for identifying respective source samples.

28 . The product of claim 27 , wherein one strand of the partially double-stranded nucleic acid domain has a free 3′ end.

29 . The product of claim 27 , further comprising one or more background probes which do not bind an analyte, said background probes comprising a nucleic acid domain comprising an ID sequence and a hybridisation sequence shared with at least one proximity probe.

30 . The product of claim 27 , wherein at least one pair of hybridisation sequences is unique to a single species of proximity probe pairs.

31 . The product of claim 27 , wherein no more than 10 species of proximity probe pairs share the same pair of hybridisation sequences.

32 . The product of claim 27 , wherein at least 75% of the species of proximity probe pairs share their pair of hybridisation sequences with another species of proximity probe pairs.

33 . The product of claim 27 , wherein in each proximity probe pair, both nucleic acid domains are partially double-stranded.

34 . The product of claim 27 , wherein the nucleic acid domains of each proximity probe pair comprise paired hybridisation sequences capable of hybridising to the splint oligonucleotide to form a duplex, and wherein the nucleic acid domain of the first proximity probe is capable of directly or indirectly ligating to the nucleic acid domain of the second proximity probe to generate a ligation product comprising the ID sequence of the first proximity probe and the ID sequence of the second proximity probe, when the nucleic acid domains are subjected to a ligation reaction.

35 . The product of claim 27 , wherein one strand of the partially double-stranded nucleic acid domain has a free 3′ end.

36 . The product of claim 27 , wherein the ID sequence of each proximity probe species within a species of proximity probe pairs is different from the ID sequence of the other proximity probe species within the species of proximity probe pairs.

37 . The product of claim 27 , wherein the ID sequences of the proximity probe species within a species of proximity probe pairs are barcode sequences and are the same as one another.

38 . The product of claim 27 , comprising species of proximity probe pairs for detecting at least 25 analytes.

39 . The product of claim 27 , comprising species of proximity probe pairs for detecting at least 50 analytes.

40 . The product of claim 27 , comprising species of proximity probe pairs for detecting at least 100 analytes.

Assignments (1)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Dec 23, 2025
From: BROBERG, JOHN; LUNDBERG, MARTIN; WIK, LOTTA
To: OLINK PROTEOMICS AB
Reel/Frame 073300/0691 →
Priority Claims (1)
GB 2004469 · Mar 27, 2020 · national
Continuity (2)
Continuation 18336450 · Jun 16, 2023
Continuation 17907138
References Cited (86)
US 6511809B2 · Baez et al. · 2003 [cited by applicant]
US 6878515B1 · Landegren · 2005 [cited by applicant]
US 7306904B2 · Landegren · 2007 [cited by examiner]
US 7351528B2 · Landegren · 2008 [cited by applicant]
US 7883848B2 · Ericsson · 2011 [cited by applicant]
US 7883849B1 · Dahl · 2011 [cited by applicant]
US 7914987B2 · Fredriksson et al. · 2011 [cited by applicant]
US 8053188B2 · Gullberg et al. · 2011 [cited by applicant]
US 8268554B2 · Schallmeiner · 2012 [cited by applicant]
US 8293501B2 · Fredriksson et al. · 2012 [cited by applicant]
US 9551032B2 · Landegren et al. · 2017 [cited by applicant]
US 9677131B2 · Fredriksson et al. · 2017 [cited by applicant]
US 9777315B2 · Fredriksson et al. · 2017 [cited by applicant]
US 10174366B2 · Landegren et al. · 2019 [cited by applicant]
US 10287631B2 · Schmitt et al. · 2019 [cited by applicant]
US 10465235B2 · Gullberg et al. · 2019 [cited by applicant]
US 10597701B2 · Landegren et al. · 2020 [cited by applicant]
US 10612093B2 · Landegren et al. · 2020 [cited by applicant]
US 10669569B2 · Gullberg et al. · 2020 [cited by applicant]
US 10676779B2 · Chang et al. · 2020 [cited by applicant]
US 10731206B2 · Fredriksson et al. · 2020 [cited by applicant]
US 10781473B2 · Fredriksson et al. · 2020 [cited by applicant]
US 10953379B2 · Smith et al. · 2021 [cited by applicant]
US 11034995B2 · Soderberg et al. · 2021 [cited by applicant]
US 11072824B2 · Chen et al. · 2021 [cited by applicant]
US 11352658B2 · Landegren et al. · 2022 [cited by applicant]
US 11656233B2 · Bertozzi et al. · 2023 [cited by applicant]
US 11697840B2 · Glezer et al. · 2023 [cited by applicant]
US 11718874B2 · Daugharthy et al. · 2023 [cited by applicant]
US 11767550B2 · Chee · 2023 [cited by applicant]
US 11768201B1 · Mallick · 2023 [cited by applicant]
US 11796535B2 · Tsao et al. · 2023 [cited by applicant]
US 20030190646A1 · Wenz et al. · 2003 [cited by applicant]
US 20070225487A1 · Nilsson et al. · 2007 [cited by applicant]
US 20100291636A1 · Johansson et al. · 2010 [cited by applicant]
US 20110223585A1 · Gullberg et al. · 2011 [cited by applicant]
US 20130323729A1 · Landegren et al. · 2013 [cited by applicant]
US 20130338038A1 · Dubridge et al. · 2013 [cited by applicant]
US 20150275295A1 · Wang et al. · 2015 [cited by applicant]
US 20160281134A1 · Wu · 2016 [cited by applicant]
US 20160289750A1 · Landegren et al. · 2016 [cited by applicant]
US 20160369321A1 · Landegren et al. · 2016 [cited by applicant]
US 20190203279A1 · Landegren et al. · 2019 [cited by applicant]
US 20200102592A1 · Shannon et al. · 2020 [cited by applicant]
US 20210255189A1 · Gyllensten et al. · 2021 [cited by applicant]
US 20210278398A1 · Luo et al. · 2021 [cited by applicant]
US 20210285941A1 · Luo et al. · 2021 [cited by applicant]
US 20230323424A1 · Broberg · 2023 [cited by examiner]
WO 03044231A1 · 2003 [cited by applicant]
WO WO2004094456A2 · 2004 [cited by examiner]
WO 2006137932A2 · 2006 [cited by applicant]
WO 2013113699A2 · 2013 [cited by applicant]
WO 2018108328A1 · 2018 [cited by applicant]
Nong et al., “Solid-phase proximity ligation assays for individual or parallel protein analyses with readout via real-time PCR or sequencing,” Nature Protocols, vol. 8, No. 6, pp. 1234-1248. (Year: 2013). [cited by examiner]
Darmanis, Spyros et al., ProteinSeq: High-Performance Proteomic Analyses by Proximity Ligation and Next Generation Sequencing, PLoS ONE, vol. 6, Issue 9, pp. 1-10 (Sep. 2011), with Supplemental Material (14 pages). [cited by applicant]
Nong, Rachel Yuan et al., Solid-phase proximity ligation assays for individual or parallel protein analyses with readout via real-time PCR or sequencing, Nature Protocols, vol. 8, pp. 1234-1248 (2013). [cited by applicant]
Fredriksson, Simon et al., Multiplexed protein detection by proximity ligation for cancer biomarker validation, Nature Methods, vol. 4, pp. 327-329, and Supplementary Methods pp. 1-10 (2007). [cited by applicant]
Cohen, Limor et al., Highly Sensitive and Multiplexed Protein Measurements, Chemical Review, vol. 119, pp. 293-321 (online Aug. 28, 2018). [cited by applicant]
Lundberg, Martin et al., Multiplexed Homogeneous Proximity Ligation Assays for High-throughput Protein Biomarker Research in Serological Material, Molecular & Cellular Proteomics, vol. 10, Issue 4, pp. 1-10, and Supplem… [cited by applicant]
Hammond, Maria et al., Profiling Cellular Protein Complexes by Proximity Ligation with Dual Tag Microarray Readout, PLoS ONE, vol. 7, No. 7, pp. 1-9 and Supplementary Material, pp. 1-17 (Jul. 2012). [cited by applicant]
Assarsson, Erika et al., Homogenous 96-Plex PEA Immunoassay Exhibiting High Sensitivity, Specificity, and Excellent Scalability, vol. 9, Issue 4, e95192, pp. 1-11 (Apr. 2014). [cited by applicant]
Lundberg, Martin et al., Homogeneous antibody-based proximity extension assays provide sensitive and specific detection of low-abundant proteins in human blood, Nucleic Acids Research, vol. 39, No. 15, e102, pp. 1-8, an… [cited by applicant]
Söderberg, Ola et al., Direct observation of individual endogenous protein complexes in situ by proximity ligation, Nature Methods, vol. 3, No. 12, pp. 995-1000 (Dec. 2006). [cited by applicant]
Sanders, Sean et al, Editors, Advancing precision medicine: Current and future proteogenomic strategies for biomarker discovery and development, Science, AAAS, pp. 1-40 (Oct. 2017). [cited by applicant]
Bentley, David et al, Accurate whole human genome sequencing using reversible terminator chemistry, Nature, vol. 456, pp. 53-59 (Nov. 2008). [cited by applicant]
Illumina, Data Sheet: Sequencing, Multiplexed Sequencing with the Illumina Genome Analyzer System, pp. 1-3 (2010). [cited by applicant]
Thorsen, Stine et al, Plasma levels of the MMP-9:TIMP-1 complex as prognostic biomarker in breast cancer: a retrospective study, BMC Cancer, vol. 13, 598, pp. 1-12 (2013). [cited by applicant]
Copy of European Office Action dated Feb. 19, 2024 from related European Application No. 23182913.6. [cited by applicant]
Observations dated Jul. 18, 2024 from related European Application No. 21713709.0. [cited by applicant]
Observations dated Jul. 18, 2024 from related European Application No. 23182913.6. [cited by applicant]
International Search Report dated Jul. 13, 2021 from related PCT application No. PCT/EP2021/058025. [cited by applicant]
Observations dated Feb. 19, 2024 from related European Application No. 21713709.0. [cited by applicant]
European Search Report dated Oct. 5, 2023 from related European Application No. 23182913.6. [cited by applicant]
European Office Action dated Oct. 8, 2024 from related European Application No. 21713709.0. [cited by applicant]
European Office Action dated Oct. 8, 2024 from related European Application No. 23182913.6. [cited by applicant]
Great Britain Search Report dated Dec. 20, 2020 from related Great Britain Application No. GB2004469.9. [cited by applicant]
Japanese Office Action dated Jun. 13, 2023 from related Japanese Application No. 2022-558355 with English Translation. [cited by applicant]
First Office Action dated Dec. 31, 2024 from corresponding Chinese Application No. 202180036813.4, with English Translation. [cited by applicant]
English Translation of Second Office Action dated Jul. 28, 2025 from corresponding Chinese Application No. 2021800368134. [cited by applicant]
Ebai, Tonge et al., Parallel Protein Detection by Solid-Phase Proximity Ligation Assay wit Real-Time PCR or Sequencing, Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, vol. 20, No. 10, pp. 1-25 (Jan. 2015). [cited by applicant]
Office Action dated Apr. 10, 2025 from corresponding European Application No. 21719709.0. [cited by applicant]
Third Party Observation dated Jul. 10, 2025 from corresponding European Application No. 21713709.0. [cited by applicant]
Office Action dated Sep. 16, 2025 from corresponding European Application No. 217713709.0. [cited by applicant]
Office Action dated Apr. 10, 2025 from corresponding European Application No. 23182913.6. [cited by applicant]
Office Action dated Oct. 15, 2025 from corresponding European Application No. 23182913.6. [cited by applicant]
Office Action dated Apr. 24, 2025 from corresponding Japanese Application No. 2023-144527, with English Translation. [cited by applicant]