Production and characterization of monoclonal antibodies against chicken lymphocyte surface antigens

A panel of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) with specificity for chicken lymphocyte surface antigens was established and characterized based on their reactivities against chicken lymphoid cells and tumor cell lines on flow cytometry. Three mAbs (7-3G-2, 7-2E-8, and JB-2) reacted preferentially with thymocytes, however, none of them reacted with Marek's disease derived T lymphoblastoid cell lines. Four mAbs (6-27A-1, 4-5C-5, Lc-4, and Lc-6) reacted with spleen cells and peripheral blood leukocytes as well as thymocytes. All seven mAbs reacted with chicken embryonic thymocytes from day 12 of embryonic life onward. All mAbs showed no reactivity against bursal lymphocytes.     

Development and characterization of monoclonal antibodies to chicken interleukin-15

The chicken IL-15 gene was recently cloned and shown to encode a polypeptide with T cell growth factor activity similar to IL-2. To further characterize the chemical and biological properties of chicken IL-15, we generated a panel of monoclonal antibodies against bacterially expressed protein and characterized their binding specificities. All antibodies were reactive by ELISA with recombinant IL-15, but not IL-2, and identified a 15kDa recombinant chicken IL-15 by Western blot analysis. Two antibodies inhibited IL-15-induced proliferation of splenic lymphoblast cells. These monoclonal antibodies will be useful for further structural and immunological studies of chicken IL-15.     

Production and characterization of monoclonal antibodies to Ehrlichia risticii

Hybridomas producing monoclonal antibodies to Ehrlichia risticii were developed to provide a means of molecular investigation of the biochemical and immunopathologic characteristics of the organism. All of 6 stable monoclonal antibodies obtained were IgG isotypes. The ascitic fluid titers induced by the hybridomas ranged from 10(2) to 10(7). Competitive binding experiments conducted by ELISA and binding of labeled protein A to antigen-antibody complexes indicated competition among monoclonal antibodies. Two monoclonal antibodies (HybI and 14D4) were reactive in an indirect fluorescent antibody test; these antibodies also bound a maximum of labeled protein A, indicating recognition of epitopes on the surface of the ehrlichia. Protein specificity of monoclonal antibodies could not be demonstrated with western blot procedure. HybI monoclonal antibody, however, did precipitate the 28 kD protein from 125I-surface-labeled ehrlichiae and was shown to be specific to E risticii on the basis of nonreactivity with E sennetsu, using the indirect fluorescent antibody test. By use of the different monoclonal antibodies as probes, more definitive molecular studies now will be feasible.     

Production and characterization of monoclonal antibodies to bovid herpesvirus-4

Thirty-five hybridoma cell lines secreting monoclonal antibodies (Mabs) against bovid herpesvirus-4 (BHV-4) strain V. Test were produced. These hybrid cells resulted from the fusion of SP2/0 myeloma cells with splenocytes of BALB/c mice previously immunized with purified BHV-4. A modified indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) was applied as a screening procedure and was compared with an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The selected Mabs were tested by the same IFAT against a panel of BHV-4 field isolates and against bovine herpesvirus-1, bovine herpesvirus-2 and alcelaphine herpesvirus-1 (AHV-1). Comparison of BHV-4 field isolates with Mabs confirmed their close antigenic relationships, but slight antigenic differences were observed between different isolates. One of the Mabs also reacted against AHV-1, indicating an antigenic relationship between BHV-4 and AHV-1. None of the Mabs reacting with BHV-4 possessed neutralizing activity against the strain used for immunization.     

Production and preliminary characterization of murine monoclonal antibodies to Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, a protozoan parasite of fish

An initial panel of 34 hybridomas, each secreting antibodies reactive with an infective theront stage of an Ichthyophthirius multifiliis isolate, was produced. Three of these cell lines, each producing immunoglobulin M class antibodies, were cloned by limiting dilution and were expanded as ascites-producing tumors in syngeneic mice. Three monoclonal antibodies (MAB) reacted with intact whole theronts in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to dilutions of 1:10,000 in ascitic fluids and had a similar pattern of surface and cytoplasmic staining in indirect immunofluorescent tests. Only antigen specified by MAB E6 could be characterized by acrylamide gel electrophoresis and immunoblotting; initial data indicated a molecular weight of 200,000. Physicochemical properties of the determinants recognized by the 3 MAB were tested by pronase digestion and periodate oxidation. Seemingly, a protein, glycoprotein, and carbohydrate were recognized by MAB E6, FE10, and AC8, respectively.     

Production and preliminary characterization of monoclonal antibodies to Actinobacillus sp isolated from epididymitis lesions in a ram

A panel of 55 monoclonal antibodies to an Actinobacillus sp isolate (As8C strain) cultured from the epididymides of an infected ram was produced. Cell lines producing 5 of these antibodies were cloned and expanded by hybridoma tumor production in Balb/c mice. An isotype profile revealed that 1 cloned antibody belonged to the immunoglobulin (Ig) M class and the 4 remaining antibodies belonged to the IgG class. Within the IgG class, 1 clone produced IgG1, 1 clone produced IgG2a, and 2 clones produced IgG2b. Ascites fluid antibody titers from the cloned hybridomas ranged from 6,400 to 51,200, as determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Specificity of the antibodies to target As8C antigens could be demonstrated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay inhibition. Ascites fluid from 2 clones contained antibodies that agglutinated As8C. Two additional clones produced antibodies capable of only partial agglutination, whereas 1 clone produced antibody that did not agglutinate As8C. The indirect fluorescent antibody test revealed that target antigens for at least 4 of the 5 monoclonal antibodies were most likely located on the bacterial cell surface. Antigens were extracted from As8C, using 5 surface active chemicals. An attempt to immunoprecipitate these antigens in agarose by reacting individual extracts with each of the antibodies was unsuccessful.     

Production and characterization of monoclonal antibodies reactive with the chicken interleukin-15 receptor alpha chain

We recently cloned the genes encoding chicken IL-15 and IL-15 receptor (R) alpha proteins. In this study, 12 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against recombinant chicken IL-15Ralpha were produced and characterized. By enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), all mAbs showed binding specificity for IL-15Ralpha, but not IL-2 or interferon-gamma, and identified a 25.0kDa protein by immunoblot analysis. Flow cytometric analysis revealed negligible expression of IL-15Ralpha on non-activated lymphocytes from the spleen, thymus or bursa, low but detectable expression on macrophages and high expression on concanavalin A-activated spleen lymphoblasts. Established chicken T cell (RP13) and macrophage (HD11) cell lines expressed substantially higher levels of IL-15Ralpha compared with a B cell line (RP9). Two mAbs inhibited IL-15 dependent proliferation of T cells suggesting that the tertiary structure of the protein domain of native IL-15Ralpha that binds to IL-15 is preserved in the recombinant receptor molecule. These mAbs will be useful reagents for further in vitro and in vivo studies of the biological functions of chicken IL-15 and its receptor.     

Production and characterization of monoclonal antibodies to bovine beta 2-microglobulin

In an attempt to isolate monoclonal antibodies specific for bovine lymphocytes, spleen cells from mice immunized with bovine lymphocytes were fused with the mouse myeloma cell line SP-2/0. The resulting hybridoma cell lines were tested for reactivity with bovine lymphocytes, polymorphonuclear neutrophils, RBC, gamma-globulin, kappa-casein, beta-casein, alpha-S1-casein, and beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2m) and with beta 2m from rabbits, goats, and human beings. None of the clones secreted anti-bovine lymphocyte-specific antibody. However, 4 secreted monoclonal antibodies to bovine beta 2m. They also reacted with beta 2m from rabbit, goat, and human being. One monoclonal antibody also was found to be reactive with bovine immunoglobulin. Monoclonal antibodies to beta 2m could serve as a tool to (1) explore the homology of the beta 2m molecule among various species, (2) examine the relationship of beta 2 m with the constant region of the immunoglobulin molecule, (3) quantitate bovine beta 2m in various body fluids and major histocompatibility antigens on cell surfaces, (4) help characterize those antigens in cattle, and (5) be used for tissue typing of those antigens.     

Production and characterization of monoclonal antibodies to cervine herpesvirus-1.

Fourteen hybridoma cell lines secreting monoclonal antibodies (Mab) to cervine herpesvirus-1 (CerHV-1) produced following the fusion of NSO myeloma cells with splenocytes of BALB/c mice previously immunized with gradient purified CerHV-1 were selected using an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) employing CerHV-1 antigen and tested by the ELISA against four other ruminant alphaherpesviruses from cattle (bovine herpesvirus type 1.1 and 1.2) goat (caprine herpesvirus-2) and reindeer (rangiferine herpesvirus-1). Comparison of all five ruminant alphaherpesviruses with these Mabs confirmed their close antigenic relationships, with two Mabs reacting against all viruses. Ten Mabs which were able to differentiate between the viruses reacted with a 64 kDa polypeptide in a western blot. Four Mabs including two specific only for CerHV-1 with neutralizing activity against the virus used for immunization were directed against a 74 kDa viral protein.     

Characterization of proteins of chicken infectious anemia virus with monoclonal antibodies.

Eight monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against chicken infectious anemia virus (CIAV) were developed. These MAbs identified three isolates adapted to grow in the Marek's disease chicken cell line MSB1 (Cux-1, GA-1, and Conn-B) and the chicken-propagated CIA-1 isolate. All MAbs stained MSB1 in the same way with mostly perinuclear staining, although larger nuclear inclusions and cytoplasmic staining were also detected. None of the MAbs neutralized Cux-1. All MAbs reacted in a direct enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with Cux-1 antigen treated with 0.5% sodium dodecyl sulfate followed by extraction with chloroform, but not with MSB1 cells infected with Cux-1 or chloroform-extracts of these cells. Three viral proteins--VP1, VP2, and VP3--with estimated sizes of 45, 30, and 16 kilodaltons (kd), respectively, were immunoprecipitated using the MAbs and Cux-1-infected cell lysates. The 16-kd protein was the major VP. In addition, a 79-kd protein was detected in infected cell lysates by immunoprecipitation with CIAV-antibody-positive and -negative chicken serum, and CIAV-specific and non-specific MAbs.     

Production and characterisation of monoclonal antibodies specific for chicken interleukin-12

Using genetic immunisation of mice, we produced antibodies against chicken interleukin-12p40 (chIL-12p40), also known as IL-12β. After a final injection with a recombinant chIL-12p40 protein, several stable hybridoma cell lines were established which secreted monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to this component of the heterodimeric IL-12 cytokine. Specific binding of three of the mAbs to COS-7 cell-derived recombinant chIL-12p40 and the chIL-12p70 heterodimer was demonstrated in an indirect ELISA, and in dot blots. Two of the mAbs were used to develop a capture ELISA, suitable for detecting both recombinant protein (chIL-12p40 and the heterodimeric p70 protein) and native chIL-12. The mAbs were further characterised to show utility in immunocytochemistry.     

抗狂犬病病毒ERA株单克隆抗体的制备、鉴定及初步应用

将狂犬病病毒ERA株纯化后免疫雌性BALB／c小鼠。取其脾细胞与SP2／0骨髓瘤细胞进行融合，经克隆和间接ELISA筛选，获得3株稳定分泌抗狂犬病病毒ERA株单克隆抗体的杂交瘤细胞株，分别命名为c7、c4和H3。经过鉴定：其腹水效价分别为1：1×10^3、1：5×10^4及1：1×10^4；且与犬瘟热病毒（CDV）、犬细小病毒（CPV）、犬腺病毒（CAV）不发生交叉反应；3株单抗均为IgG类型。采用G蛋白亲和层析柱对腹水进行纯化，将纯化后的单抗腹水用FITC（异硫氰酸荧光素）标记制备荧光抗体，建立了检测狂犬病病毒的荧光染色法。结果表明，该方法对狂犬病的实验室诊断具有快速和特异性高的特点。     

Isolation and preliminary characterization of chicken anemia virus from chickens in Nigeria

Chicken anemia virus (CAV) was isolated for the first time from the Nigerian chicken population. The virus was recovered from necropsied birds from broiler and pullet flocks that suffered disease outbreaks tentatively diagnosed as infectious bursal disease. A sensitive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay detected CAV DNA in tissues of necropsied birds. Restriction endonuclease analysis performed with the 733-bp PCR product and the Cfo I enzyme indicated at least two different CAVs were circulating among the Nigerian chicken population. Four isolates were obtained from pooled liver and thymus tissues using the MDCC-MSB1 cell line. These isolates were found to be antigenically closely related to the Cuxhaven-1 (Cux-1) reference strain of CAV when reacted with four monoclonal antibodies prepared against the Cux-1 virus. One of the isolates (isolate A) induced thymus atrophy, bone marrow aplasia, and low hematocrit values when inoculated into 1-day-old specific-pathogen-free chickens. These findings not only demonstrate that CAV is present in Nigeria, but they also likely represent the first cell culture isolation of the virus in Africa.     

Production and characterisation of monoclonal antibodies specific for chicken interleukin-2.

Using genetic immunisation of mice, we produced antibodies against chicken interleukin-2 (ChIL-2), the first produced against a non-mammalian interleukin. After a final injection with a recombinant ChIL-2 protein, two stable hybridoma cell lines were established which secreted monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against this cytokine. Specific binding of the two MAbs to recombinant ChIL-2 produced by Escherichia coli and COS-7 cells was demonstrated in an indirect ELISA, Western blotting and dot blots. Both of them were able to neutralise the biological activity of the ChIL-2, but neither allowed the detection of ChIL-2 by flow cytometry.     

Development and characterization of mouse monoclonal antibodies reactive with chicken CD80

This study was carried out to develop and characterize mouse monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against chicken CD80 (chCD80). A recombinant plasmid containing a chCD80/horse IgG4 fusion gene was constructed and expressed in CHO cells to produce recombinant chCD80/IgG4 protein. Chicken CD80 was purified from the chCD80/IgG4 fusion protein following enterokinase digestion, and used to immunize BALB/c mice, resulting in 158 hybridomas that produced mAbs against chCD80. Three mAbs with high binding specificity for recombinant chCD80/IgG4-transfected CHO cells were identified by flow cytometry, and one of these (#112) was selected for further characterization. Immunoprecipitation of CD80/IgG4-CHO cell extract, or lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated monocytes identified 35.0 kDa proteins. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed chCD80-expressing cells exclusively in the bursal follicles at the outer portion of the cortex, and throughout the red pulp and the outer boundary of the white pulp in the spleen. By immunofluorescence microscopy, chCD80 was observed on intestinal dendritic cells. LPS treatment of bursa or spleen monocytes for 24 or 48 h increased chCD80 expression. Finally, addition of chCD80 mAb to Con A-stimulated spleen cells inhibited the expression of major histocompatibility complex class II antigens and IL-2-driven proliferation of lymphoblast cells. In summary, these chCD80 mAbs will serve as valuable immunological reagents for basic and applied poultry immunology research.     

Production and characterization of monoclonal antibodies against dog immunoglobulin isotypes

In this study, the effect of two oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) sequences 5'GCT-AGA-CGT-TAG-CGT-3' (CpG-ODN) and 5'-GCT-AGA-GCT-TAG-GCT-3' (GpC-ODN) on the antigen-specific antibody and cellular immune response after intramuscular immunizations with OVA was analyzed in pigs. Pigs immunized with OVA supplemented with these ODNs showed a significantly enhanced primary antibody response in comparison with the control group which received OVA without ODN. This enhanced primary antibody response appeared ODN-sequence-independent as similar effects were seen in both ODN-groups. The OVA-specific antibody titers obtained after a single injection of antigen combined with either of both ODNs were as high as the titers in the control group after two injections. Furthermore, the ODN-supplemented animals showed significantly higher OVA-specific IgA antibodies in their saliva and nasal secretions at some time points after the first immunization. Proliferation assays showed that CpG- as well as GpC-ODN significantly enhanced the antigen-specific as well as the mitogen-induced proliferation in different lymphoid tissues. Furthermore, 48h after the third immunization the CpG-group showed a significantly decreased IL-6 mRNA expression in cells of the local draining lymph node but no significant difference in TGF-beta (Th3-like) and IL-10 (Th2-like). The ODN injected animals showed the tendency to have higher IFN-gamma (Th1-like) mRNA-expression in comparison with the control group. To our knowledge, these are the first in vivo studies in pigs, which demonstrate the appropriateness of CpG-ODN as immunostimulating adjuvants in vaccines for farm animals.     

Development and characterization of mouse monoclonal antibodies reactive with chicken CD83

This study was carried out to develop and characterize mouse monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against chicken CD83 (chCD83), a membrane-bound glycoprotein belonging to the immunoglobulin superfamily that is primarily expressed on mature dendritic cells (DCs). A recombinant chCD83/IgG4 fusion protein containing the extracellular region of chCD83 was expressed in Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells and isolated from the spent cell culture medium by protein G affinity chromatography. The extracellular region of the chCD83 protein was purified and used to immunize mice. A cell fusion was performed, from which 342 hybridomas were screened for mAbs to chCD83. Two mAbs, chCD83-159 and chCD83-227, stained the greatest percentage of chCD83-transfected CHO cells and were selected for further characterization. By flow cytometry, both mAbs reacted with a chicken macrophage cell line, HD11. Both mAbs also recognized a single 53 kDa protein on Western blots of lysates from lipopolysaccharide-stimulated spleen mononuclear cells or unstimulated HD11 cells. Immunostaining of chicken secondary lymphoid organs identified chCD83(+) cells with morphologic and subtissue localization properties comparable to mammalian DCs. In vitro stimulation of spleen mononuclear cells with concanavalin A (Con A) decreased the percentage of chCD83(+) cells compared with cells treated with medium alone. Interestingly, spleen cells treated with Con A in the presence of chCD83-227 mAb exhibited decreased percentage of MHCII(+) cells compared with cells treated with an isotype-matched negative control mAb. These chCD83 mAbs may be useful for future investigations of chicken immune cell maturation and mechanisms of action.