This invention discloses “Artificially Cleaved
Epitope (ACE)” methods, antibodies, reagents, immunoassays, and kits for designing and detecting hidden epitopes / antigens. The ACE methods can detect epitopes that are either absent or poorly accessible naturally to antibodies, and thus must be specifically and artificially created (free terminals) and / or exposed in samples and sample preparations for
antibody detection. The ACE structures include, but are not limited to,
macromolecule-to-
macromolecule conjugation sites, and any types of linear hidden epitopes. The ACE methods comprise ACE
antigen design and ACE
antigen detection. The ACE methods, antibodies, reagents, immunoassays, and kits are useful in research and discovery, diagnostic, and therapeutic applications. In another aspect, the ACE methods can artificially and specifically
expose hidden antigens while reducing the
antibody non-specific bindings in all
antibody-based applications.