Characterization of monoclonal antibodies to Sarcocystis spp

Monoclonal antibodies have become powerful tools in immunology and biotechnology during the last decade. They are successfully used in a lot of fields in parasitology. This paper gives an overview of difficulties currently associated with immunodiagnosis of Sarcocystis infections and of the production and characterization of monoclonal antibodies for the investigation of problems that could not be solved by classical methods.     

Development of monoclonal antibodies against canine glomerular antigens

Monoclonal antibody producing hybridomas were developed by fusing spleen cells from BALB/c mice immunized against canine glomeruli with SP2 myeloma cells. Monoclonal antibody reactivity was tested using an indirect immunofluorescence assay on various normal canine tissues and canine kidney affected with glomerulonephritis. Two of the hybridomas developed (3H2 and 3A5) reacted with glomeruli and not with renal tubules. Antibody produced by hybridoma 3A5 also reacted with smooth muscle of all other tissues tested and 3H2 with lung tissue. Antigens recognized by monoclonal antibodies were studied by assessing their heat stability and susceptibility to proteolysis and neuraminidase digestion. Antigen and antibody molecular weights were determined by using a western blotting technique. Glomerular proteins that reacted with antibody produced by hybridoma 3H2 had molecular weights ranging from approximately 92,500 daltons to 200,000 daltons. Antigens reacting with both monoclonal antibodies were likely protein antigens. It was concluded that monoclonal antibodies would be useful in the study of glomerular antigens in normal dogs and dogs with glomerulonephritis.     

Characterization of monoclonal antibodies against fowl poxvirus

Vaccines for the prevention of fowl pox in chickens and turkeys have been available for more than five decades. However, in recent years outbreaks have occurred in several previously vaccinated chicken flocks. Presumably, fowl poxviruses (FPVs) antigenically different from the attenuated vaccine strains are responsible for such occurrences. In support of this concept, we previously detected minor antigenic changes in field isolates based on comparative immunoblotting with polyclonal anti-FPV serum. Realizing the need for antibodies specific against the dominant antigens of FPV, monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) were produced by immunizing mice with either a field strain of FPV or a pigeon poxvirus, currently used for vaccination. Three hybridoma clones producing MAbs reacting with a specific FPV protein were selected from a total of 83 clones. In immunoblots, two of the MAbs, P1D9 and P2H10, recognized an antigen with an apparent molecular weight varying from 39 to 46 kD, depending on the FPV strain. The third MAb, P2D4, reacted with an approximately 80-kD protein, regardless of which FPV isolate was tested. Immunofluorescent staining with P1D9 and P2D4 revealed that these MAbs react with intracytoplasmic antigens in FPV-infected cells.     

Characterization of monoclonal antibodies against Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae serotype 5.

Two monoclonal antibodies against Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae serotype 5, designated as 5MAb-1 and 5MAb-6, were characterized. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay-inhibition tests with whole-cell antigens obtained from strains of serotype 1 through 12 of A pleuropneumoniae revealed that 5 MAb-1 bound to only serotype-5 strains. The epitope recognized by 5MAb-1 was a carbohydrate that was sensitive to periodate oxidation and resided on the structure of beta-1,6-linked D-galactose in an O-antigen polysaccharide of serotype-5 lipopolysaccharide. Analysis of these results revealed that the O-antigen polysaccharide of lipopolysaccharide was 1 of the antigenic determinants responsible for the serotype specificity of A pleuropneumoniae. On the other hand, 5MAb-6 reacted with strains of serotype 1 through 10 in varying degrees and its epitope was located on polypeptides sensitive to proteinase K. In an immunoblotting analysis, 5MAb-6 reacted with 2 polypeptide bands, with molecular weights of approximately 41,500 and 28,000, in the outer membrane protein-rich fraction obtained from strains of serotype 1 through 10. These results indicated that outer membrane proteins from several serotype strains of A pleuropneumoniae possessed common antigenic determinants.     

Characterization of stage-specific and cross-reactive antigens from Eimeria acervulina by chicken monoclonal antibodies

The characterization of five chicken monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that were developed against apical complex antigens of Eimeria acervulina sporozoites is realized and the mAbs reactivity to merozoites belonging to this species is tested. Using immuno-fluorescence assay (IFA), one mAb (HE-4) that recognized apical antigens common to sporozoites of E. acervulina and E. brunetti bound antigens localized on the apical tip of merozoites from all stages of development examined. The mAb 8E-1, reactive with antigens found on the apical tip of all chicken Eimeria sporozoites, also showed binding to antigens common to merozoites from all generations. Another mAb, 8C-3, which identified an antigen shared by sporozoites apical tip and sporocysts wall of E. acervulina reacted very weak and inconstantly with the merozoites from all generations whereas the mAbs 5D-11 and 8D-2 that recognized antigens shared by the sporozoites of E. acervulina and E. maxima (mAb 5D-11) and E. acervulina and E. brunetti (mAb 8D-2) did not react with the merozoites from any generation. Collectively, these results showed that the invasive stages of chicken Eimeria share cross reactive apical complex antigens which are inter-species and inter-generation-specific that might be components of a potential recombinant vaccine.     

Characterization of monoclonal antibodies directed against swine leukocytes

Hybridomas were produced from fusions of the SP2/0 mouse myeloma with splenic cells from: 1) an outbred Sprague Dawley rat immunized with swine peripheral blood mononuclear (PBM) cells; 2) a (CBA/NDub X BALB/c Dub) F1 mouse immunized with concanavalin A (Con A) activated swine PBM cells and 3) a (BALB/c Dub X C3H/He Dub) F1 mouse immunized with swine thymocytes. The resulting supernatants were screened by a microcytotoxicity assay for activity against swine PBM cells. Four hybridomas (MSA1, MSA2, MSA3 and MSA4) were selected, cloned and characterized by their cell reactivity and effect on mitogenic assays. MSA1 and MSA2 belong to the rat IgG2b subclass. MSA3 and MSA4 are of the mouse IgG2a subclass. These monoclonal antibodies reacted in the following manner: MSA1 with monocytes, granulocytes, red blood cells and bone marrow cells; MSA2 with subset of T cells; MSA3 with B cells and subsets of T cells and monocytes (class II molecule) and MSA4, a pan-T cell reagent (E-rosette receptor). The involvement of the various cell types reactive to the different monoclonal antibodies in the mitogenic response of swine PBM cells to Con A, phytohemagglutinin (PHA) or pokeweed mitogen (PWM) was investigated by cellular depletion with monoclonal antibody plus complement. Cellular depletion of PBM cells with the following monoclonal antibodies plus complement treatment resulted in: MSA1, almost total reduction in the mitogenic response to low doses of Con A or PWM; MSA2, partial reduction in the proliferative responses to any concentration of Con A, PHA or PWM; MSA3, partial reduction in proliferative responses to low concentrations of Con A or PWM and 4) MSA4, total elimination of any proliferative response to Con A, PHA or PWM.     

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.     

Preparation of monoclonal antibodies against cell surface antigens in cattle

The BALB/c mice were immunized three times with bovine lymphocytes and thrombocytes in vivo. Besides, dissociated spleens of the mice were immunized with bovine lymphocytes in vitro. Hybridomas producing monoclonal antibodies were formed as a result of the fusion of the spleen cells with the murine myeloma cells. On the whole, four fusions were performed after immunization in vivo and three fusions after immunization in vitro, and 70 stable hybridoma clones were obtained. Five monoclonal antibodies exhibited an identical specific reaction only with bovine thrombocytes, two antibodies reacted only with a certain limited population of bovine spleen cells. The remaining monoclonal antibodies exhibited no tissue specificity and were bound to the lymphocytes of peripheral blood, lymph nodes, thymus, and spleen, to thrombocytes, liver cells, and spermatozoa, but never to erythrocytes. As for the amount of the obtained hybridomas and specific antibodies, no significant difference was observed in the effectiveness of in vivo and in vitro immunization.     

Production and characterization of monoclonal antibodies raised against BoLA class I antigens

Monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) reacting with bovine leukocyte membrane antigens have been prepared by fusion of mouse myeloma cells (SP2/0.Ag.14) and spleen cells of mice immunized with various cell types. Three of these MoAbs detected membrane components showing the typical structure of class I MHC molecules; indeed, immunoprecipitation studies revealed that these components were proteins composed of two subunits of 44,000 and 12,000 daltons apparent molecular weight. The density of these antigens in the cells of various leukocyte lineages was determined by solid phase radioimmunoassay, immunogold staining and cytofluorometry. Their expression seemed similar to that of class I molecules in other species, namely heavy on the mononuclear blood cells and weaker on the neutrophils and platelets. The eosinophils appeared more positive than the neutrophils, while the erythrocytes were negative. Cross-inhibition and sequential immunoprecipitation experiments demonstrated that these MoAbs recognised different epitopes either on a single molecule or on cross-reacting molecules. One antibody appeared to be raised against the monomorphic bovine beta-2-microglobulin, while the two other antibodies detected the heavy chain of polymorphic class I-like products. The authors propose that the BoLA class I polymorphism should be studied by determination of the fixation ratio of the monomorphic anti-beta 2M versus the polymorphic anticlass I antibodies amongst the animals.     

重组牛朊蛋白特异性抗体的制备及鉴定

以原核表达后经纯化的重组牛朊蛋白为免疫原,免疫prnp-/-基因敲除鼠。4次免疫后,利用淋巴细胞杂交瘤技术,取脾细胞和SP2/0骨髓瘤细胞进行细胞融合。间接ELISA方法筛选出阳性杂交瘤细胞,采用有限稀释法对阳性杂交瘤细胞进行3次克隆,用间接ELISA筛选出了稳定分泌针对牛重组朊蛋白特异性单克隆抗体的杂交瘤细胞株,命名为5C9D6。Western blotting鉴定结果表明,5C9D6均能特异性识别重组牛朊蛋白、健康牛、BALB/c脑组织匀浆中的PrPc,不识别prnp-/-基因敲除鼠脑组织匀浆液。本试验制备了可与牛、BALB/c鼠反应的单克隆抗体,同时也为牛海绵状脑病的研究及其诊断方法的建立奠定了基础。     

Cross-reactivities with Cryptosporidium spp. by chicken monoclonal antibodies that recognize avian Eimeria spp

In a previous study, we have developed several chicken monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against Eimeria acervulina (EA) in order to identify potential ligand molecules of Eimeria. One of these mAbs, 6D-12-G10, was found to recognize a conoid antigen of EA sporozoites and significantly inhibited the sporozoite invasions of host T lymphocytes in vitro. Furthermore, some of these chicken mAbs showed cross-reactivities with several different avian Eimeria spp. and the mAb 6D-12-G10 also demonstrated cross-reactivities with the tachyzoites of Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii. Cryptosporidium spp. are coccidian parasites closely related to Eimeria spp., and especially C. parvum is an important cause of diarrhea in human and mammals. In the present study, to assess that the epitopes recognized by these chicken mAbs could exist on Cryptosporidium parasites, we examined the cross-reactivity of these mAbs with Cryptosporidium spp. using an indirect immunofluorescent assay (IFA) and Western blotting analyses. In IFA by chicken mAbs, the mAb 6D-12-G10 only showed a immunofluorescence staining at the apical end of sporozoites of C. parvum and C. muris, and merozoites of C. parvum. Western blotting analyses revealed that the mAb 6D-12-G10 reacted with the 48-kDa molecular weight band of C. parvum and C. muris oocyst antigens, 5D-11 reacted the 155 kDa of C. muris. Furthermore, these epitopes appeared to be periodate insensitive. These results indicate that the target antigen recognized by these chicken mAbs might have a shared epitope, which is present on the apical complex of apicomplexan parasites.     

Preparation and characterization of monoclonal antibodies against bovine B lymphocyte surface antigens

Two monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs; BLMo-4 and BLMo-10) were prepared by immunizing with a cell line established from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of enzootic bovine leukosis (EBL) cattle. The specificities of these MoAbs were assayed using bovine PBMC. BLMo-4 reacted with all surface immunoglobulin-positive cells (SIg+ cells; B lymphocytes) and also recognized monocytes, but did not react with T lymphocytes. BLMo-10 recognized a majority, although not all, B lymphocytes, but did not react with either T lymphocytes or monocytes. The antigens recognized by BLMo-4 and BLMo-10 were not Ig, Fc or C3 receptors on the surface of B lymphocytes. The reactivity of the MoAbs with mononuclear cells from the lymphoid organs of adult cattle was studied. BLMo-4 and BLMo-10 did not react with any bone marrow cells. BLMo-10 reacted with 7.4% of thymocytes, and stained the medulla of the thymus in the immunoperoxidase assay. In the case of PBMC, spleen and lymph node cells, the percentage of cells positive for BLMo-4 was slightly higher than that of SIg+ cells, but BLMo-10 showed a slightly lower value.     

A characterization of monoclonal antibodies prepared against Pasteurella haemolytica serotype 1 surface antigens.

The production and characterization of monoclonal antibodies against Pasteurella haemolytica serotype 1 is described. Ten monoclonal antibodies were produced and divided, on the basis of their properties, into six different groups. One produced bacteria agglutination only of P. haemolytica serotype 1. Three antibodies bound with P. haemolytica serotypes 1, 5-8 and 12 and the antigen was identified in immunoblots as lipopolysaccharide. Two antibodies bound P. haemolytica serotypes 1, 2, 5-8 and 12 and P. multocida serotypes 1-7, 9, 12, 15 and 16, recognizing an epitope present on a 29 kDa outer membrane protein. One antibody bound all P. haemolytica and P. multocida serotypes. The antigen was a hexosamine less than 30 kDa which contained a formalin sensitive epitope. One antibody bound only to P. haemolytica serotype 1 and the antigen was identified as a 66 kDa outer membrane protein. Two antibodies bound P. haemolytica serotypes 1, 2, 5-9 and 12 and the antigen, while not identified, was localized on the outer membrane. This study identified antigens which contribute to the cross-reactions among P. haemolytica and P. multocida serotypes and the antibodies may be useful in investigating the pathogenesis of pneumonic pasteurellosis.     

禽流感病毒单克隆抗体的制备及其抗蛋白抗原的分析

以纯化的H9N2亚型禽流感病毒为抗原,免疫BALB/c小鼠,细胞融合后,经间接ELISA和血凝抑制试验(HI)筛选,获得了8株能稳定分泌抗禽流感病毒单克隆抗体的杂交瘤细胞株。特异性试验证明,8株杂交瘤细胞株诱生小鼠腹水的特异ELISA抗体效价可达1∶3.2×103~1∶5.1×106,其中2株HI效价达212。8株单抗与H5亚型血凝素分型抗原不发生血凝,与减蛋综合征(EDS-76)病毒、传染性支气管炎病毒(IBV)、新城疫病毒(NDV)均不反应。亚类鉴定证实,除1C7单抗为IgG2b外,其他7株均为IgG1亚类。Westernblotting试验分析初步表明,8株单抗至少针对纯化病毒粒子3种不同的蛋白抗原,其中3株针对核蛋白(NP),2株针对基质蛋白M1,2株针对血凝素HA/HA1。对感染细胞的Western blotting分析结果与纯化病毒结果基本一致,其中1株未明显沉淀纯化病毒粒子蛋白的单抗可以与感染细胞的M2蛋白多肽反应。     

Analysis of various antigens in golden hamster testis by monoclonal antibodies.

A total of 38 hybridomas producing monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) was established by immunizing BALB/c mice with extracts of the golden hamster testis. Six mAbs stained the acrosome of developing spermatids by immunofluorescence. Two mAbs (1A11 and 4D8) reacted with spermatid components other than acrosome. The mAbs 1C9 and 4D3 recognized a 103 kilodalton (kDa) protein on immunoblots, and were reactive to spermatocytes and early spermatids, but not to late spermatids and spermatozoa. This finding suggests that the protein functions for meiosis or early spermiogenesis. Four mAbs (3G2, 2E5, 2G3, and 3F10) stained all stages of spermatogenic cells. The remaining 24 mAbs showed a positive reaction to the basement membrane of the seminiferous tubule. Two of them, 3D6 and 3E5, recognized approximately 150 kDa major proteins, indicating that the antigen is an extracellular matrix.     

Analysis of swinepox virus antigens using monoclonal antibodies.

Seventeen monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against swinepox virus (SPV) were produced and characterized. These MAbs were classified into eight groups (A through H) on the basis of the molecular weight of the polypeptides which they recognized and the staining patterns of antigens in SPV-infected cells by the indirect immunofluorescent (IF) technique. The MAbs belonging to groups A, B, C and G recognized late antigens in cytoplasmic inclusion bodies with molecular weights of 97 kD, 65 kD, 48 kD and 15 kD, respectively. The MAbs belonging to groups D and H respectively recognized 35 kD and 12 kD late antigens, which first appeared in cytoplasmic inclusion bodies and spread to the cytoplasms and surface membranes of the infected cells. The MAb of group F recognized an 18 kD late antigen with granular distribution in the cytoplasm. The MAbs of group E recognized a 32 kD early antigen. Although all the MAbs belonging to the six groups (A, D through H) were specific for SPV, some of those belonging to groups B and C showed cross-reactivity with members of the other genera of poxviridae. An MAb in group B, SP14, cross-reacted with orf and rabbit fibroma viruses. Two MAbs in group C, SP24 and SP32, cross-reacted with vaccinia, cowpox, ectromelia, and rabbit fibroma viruses. These findings indicate that at least two SPV antigens contain cross-reactive epitopes with different genera of poxviridae.     

Comparison of surface antigens of some Campylobacter fetus subsp. fetus strains of ovine origin by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and immunoblotting.

Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and immunoblotting were used to identify and to compare the surface antigens of eight C. fetus subsp. fetus strains. Seven strains (one of serogroup A and six of serogroup B) were isolated from aborted ovine fetuses, while one strain (serogroup A) originated from an aborted calf fetus. Saline extracts at 56 degrees C and 100 degrees C were used as antigens. Antisera were produced in rabbits. In saline extracts (56 degrees C) of the strains at least 19 fractions were identified by SDS-PAGE, with molecular masses ranging from approx. 4,800 to 205,000. The major bands appeared at 205,000, 66,000, 31,500, 25,000, 21,000 and 17,500. Despite the fact that the strains were cultured from 4 different sheep flocks and belonged to serogroup A or B, the SDS-PAGE profiles of the strains were very similar. When boiled (100 degrees C) extracts were used, a band migrating at 32,500 in sheep strains and a band at 97,500 in the calf isolate were missing. Most of the bands obtained by SDS-PAGE could be identified also by the immunoblot procedure. A or B type specificity of the ovine isolates was due to an LPS fraction, migrating at approx. 21,000, while the other LPS fractions appearing under this region although reacted with antisera did not influence the type specificity. Using alkaline extracts (pH 12) in SDS-PAGE, LPS fractions gave more pronounced profiles. In two of our C. fetus subsp. fetus isolates, plasmids with a molecular mass of 31,500 were identified.     

Evaluation of an enzyme immunoassay for the detection of antibodies against Sarcocystis spp. in naturally infected cattle in China

An enzyme immunoassay was used to detect anti-Sarcocystis antibodies in the sera of 159 cattle sent to slaughter in Jilin Province, north China. The musculature of each carcase was closely examined for the presence of parasitic cysts and aliquots of muscle were digested with pepsin and examined microscopically for cystozoites. Specific antibodies were detected in 126 (79.25%) cattle whereas cystozoites were detected in 123 (77.36%) and cysts in 103 (64.78%). The accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of the enzyme immunoassay were high (0.97, 0.99 and 0.91, respectively) and false reactions were only detected in four cases. The assay exhibited a high level of reproducibility when samples were re-tested and the soluble Sarcocystis spp. antigens did not cross-react with anti-Toxoplasma antibodies raised in rabbits. This report presents the first successful application of an enzyme immunoassay in the diagnosis of Sarcocystis spp. infections in naturally infected cattle in China. The assay, however, failed to detect specific antibodies in four dogs experimentally infected with S. cruzi from cattle.