Changes in peripheral blood leucocyte counts and subpopulations after experimental infection with BVDV and/or Mannheimia haemolytica

Leucocyte counts and subpopulations were studied in peripheral blood from calves experimentally infected in the respiratory tract with either bovine virus diarrhoea virus (BVDV) or Mannheimia haemolytica (Mh), or with a combination of both agents (BVDV/Mh). A non-inoculated control group was included. Peripheral blood samples were obtained for total leucocyte counts, and for neutrophil, lymphocyte and monocyte counts. The numbers of blood lymphocytes expressing the surface antigens CD4, CD8, WC1, B and IL-2R were analysed using flow cytometry. The results showed that BVDV inoculation induced a significant decrease in total leucocyte counts and in neutrophil and lymphocyte numbers, while Mh inoculation induced significant increases in total leucocyte counts and neutrophils, while the lymphocyte count decreased. In the BVDV/Mh group, the total leucocyte count and the lymphocyte numbers decreased significantly. In this group, the lymphocyte numbers remained on a very low level throughout the rest of the study. The numbers of CD4+, CD8+ and WC1+ lymphocytes decreased significantly compared with before inoculations mainly in the BVDV and BVDV/Mh groups. The drops were most pronounced in the BVDV/Mh group. The numbers of B+ lymphocytes and IL-2R+ cells did not change significantly.     

Cross-reactivity of mAbs to human CD antigens with sheep leukocytes

A panel of 377 commercially available mAbs was submitted to the animal homologue section of the Eighth International Workshop on Human Leukocyte Differentiation Antigens (HLDA8, Adelaide, Australia) for cross-reactivity studies in a range of vertebrate species. Eight commercial suppliers participated by providing isotype controls and mAbs specific for a total of 144 CD antigens. In this study, we describe the results of flow cytometric testing of the reactivity of these mAbs with leukocyte populations isolated from blood, bronchoalveolar lavage, and ileal Peyer's patches of sheep. A total of 52 mAbs were identified as potentially reacting with sheep blood leukocytes in the first round of screening with blood leukocytes. In the second phase, reactivity of selected mAbs was further analyzed by repeating the screening with blood leukocytes at an independent facility. Screening of selected mAbs for reactivity with myeloid antigens was completed with alveolar macrophages and screening for reactivity with B cell antigens was completed with ileal Peyer's patch B cells. This screening identified mAbs that consistently reacted with both putative myeloid (CD10, CD22, CD23, CD27, CD29, CD32, CD49d, CD81, CD86, CD88, CD163, CD165) and B cell (CD10, CD22, CD23, CD27, CD29, CD32, CD49d, CD81, CD86, CD88, CD165) activation or differentiation antigens. Further studies will be required to determine if each mAb cross-reacts with an orthologous leukocyte antigen.     

Characterisation of lymphocyte populations in African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) and waterbuck (Kobus defassa) with workshop monoclonal antibodies

In order to measure different lymphocyte populations in buffalo (Syncerus caffer) and waterbuck (Kobus defassa), we analysed the monoclonal antibodies from the 1st International Workshop on Leukocyte Antigens in Cattle, Sheep and Goats for suitable cross-reactive reagents. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from three buffalo and three waterbuck were tested with the whole panel of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) together with some additional antibodies against MHC and Ig. In some clusters almost all antibodies cross-reacted (CD2, CD8), in others almost none cross-reacted (CD4, CD5) and in cluster CD6, mAbs only reacted with buffalo but not waterbuck. Double staining experiments were performed on buffalo PBM with the cross-reacting antibodies, to confirm that they detected similar cell populations as in bovine PBM. This was shown with reagents against CD2, CD4, CD6, CD8, CD11, WC1, WC3 and Ig. The molecular weights of the buffalo antigens correlated well with those of the homologous cattle antigens. In the CD5 cluster, only one mAb reacted with the two wild species, and defined an unusual CD2+ CD5- cell population in buffalo. Also mAbs cross-reacting with buffalo MHC class II detected unusual expression on resting T cells. From the results presented, it is clear that the workshop panel contains mAbs against the most important T and B cell antigens of buffalo and probably waterbuck, which will allow us to compare functional lymphocyte populations in cattle and wild ruminants.     

Polymorphism of the CD4 and CD5 differentiation antigens in cattle.

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) specific for bovine CD4 and CD5 antigens have been found to identify polymorphic determinants on these molecules. In the case of CD5, mAb IL-A67 recognises one allotypic form of the antigen while four other CD5-specific mAbs in the workshop (CC17, CC29, BLT-1 and 8C11) recognise a second allotype. The CD4-specific mAbs submitted to the workshop reacted with the cells of all animals tested. However, a further two mAbs (CC26 and IL-A18) specific for CD4 were found to react with cells only from about 85% of animals tested. Sequential immuno-precipitation experiments together with family studies showed that the allotypes of CD4 and CD5 are both inherited in a simple Mendelian manner and are co-dominantly expressed. One of the CD5 allotypes was not detected in Bos taurus animals while the gene frequency of the second allotype was only about 10% in the B. indicus animals tested. The gene frequency of the CD4 allotype detected by CC26 and IL-A18 was similar in the two sub-species.     

Immunocytochemical demonstration of lymphocyte subsets and MHC class II antigen expression in synovial membranes from dogs with rheumatoid arthritis and degenerative joint disease

The study describes the distribution of canine leucocyte antigens in synovial membrane biopsies from six dogs with canine rheumatoid arthritis (CRA) and from eight dogs with osteoarthritis (OA) secondary to spontaneous rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) (n = 5) or patellar luxation (n = 3). Synovial membranes from five dogs without evidence of joint lesions were used as control tissues. In the subsynovium of dogs with normal joints CD5+, CD4+, CD8+ and alpha beta TCR+ lymphocytes were present only in low numbers. With monoclonal antibody (mAb) to MHC class II antigen, either none or up to 20-30% of synovial lining cells were immunoreactive. Furthermore, scattered MHCII+ stromal cells were seen in the deeper subsynovial layer. In synovial membrane biopsies from dogs with CRA numerous diffusely and perivascularly distributed CD5+ lymphocytes were found in the subsynovium. CD4+ cells outnumbered CD8+ cells and were more numerous in the perivascular areas. In all the CRA cases examined, there were markedly higher numbers of alpha beta TCR+ cells compared with gamma delta TCR+ cells. With mAb to CD21, low numbers of immunoreactive lymphocytes were demonstrated. In all the CRA cases, a marked increase of MHC class II antigen expression was noted. In the majority of samples, 50% or more than 90% of the synovial lining cells were strongly MHC class II+. Throughout the subsynovial layer there were numerous MHC class II+ cells and included those with dendritic morphology and inflammatory mononuclear cells. Furthermore, marked perivascular immunoreactivity for MHC class II antigen was found. In biopsies from dogs with OA, there were markedly lower numbers of subsynovial CD5+, CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes. T-cells were mainly diffusely distributed. In three of the eight OA dogs examined, there was an increased percentage of synovial lining cells expressing MHC class II. The majority of OA cases had subsynovial major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II+ cells with a dendritic morphology.     

Report on the analyses of mAb reactive with porcine CD8 for the second international swine CD workshop

Based on an analysis of their reactivity with porcine peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL), only three of the 57 mAbs assigned to the T cell/activation marker group were grouped into cluster T9 along with the two wCD8 workshop standard mAbs 76-2-11 (CD8a) and 11/295/33 (CD8b). Their placement was verified through the use of two-color cytofluorometry which established that all three mAbs (STH101, #090; UCP1H12-2, #139; and PG164A, #051) bind exclusively to CD8⁺ cells. Moreover, like the CD8 standard mAbs, these three mAbs reacted with two proteins with a MW of 33 and 35 kDa from lymphocyte lysates and were, thus, given the wCD8 designation. Because the mAb STH101 inhibited the binding of mAb 76-2-11 but not of 11/295/33, it was given the wCD8a designation. The reactivity of the other two new mAbs in the T9 cluster with the various subsets of CD8⁺ lymphocytes were distinct from that of the other members in this cluster including the standards. Although the characteristic porcine CD8 staining pattern consisting of CD8^low and CD8^high cells was obtained with the mAb UCP1H12-2, a wider gap between the fluorescence intensity of the CD8^low and CD8^high lymphocytes was observed. In contrast, the mAb PG164A, not only exclusively reacted with CD4⁻/CD8^high lymphocytes, but it also failed to recognize CD4/CD8 double positive lymphocytes. It was concluded that this mAb is specific for a previously unrecognized CD8 epitope, and was, thus, given the wCD8c designation. A very similar reactivity pattern to that of PG164A was observed for two other mAbs (STH106, #094; and SwNL554.1, #009). Although these two mAbs were not originally positioned in the T cell subgroup because of their reactivity and their ability to inhibit the binding of PG164A, they were given the wCD8c designation. Overall, five new wCD8 mAbs were identified. Although the molecular basis for the differences in PBL recognition by these mAbs is not yet understood, they will be important in defining the role of CD8⁺ lymphocyte subsets in health and disease.     

An Immunohistochemical Study of Bovine Palatine and Pharyngeal Tonsils at 21, 60 and 300 Days of Age

An immunohistochemical study was performed on three groups of young cattle (21, 60 and 300 days of age). Tonsils (palatine and pharyngeal) and mucosae (nasal and oral) were removed. Eight monoclonal antibodies (specific for CD3, CD2, CD4, CD8, WC1, cell-surface IgM, cell-surface IgG and MHC class II molecules) and an avidin/biotin complex method on frozen sections were used. The immunological cytoarchitecture of bovine tonsils is similar to that of human tonsils. Nevertheless, these lymphoid tissues are not fully developed during the first weeks of life: T and B dependent areas not well-differentiated, few germinal centres, few intra-epithelial WC1 + T lymphocytes. In contrast, at 2 months, tonsils possess all the elements of a mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT). Tonsillar or mucosal epithelium is infiltrated by a large number of CD8+, WC1+ T lymphocytes and cells which express MHC class II molecules. Between 21 and 60 days, the number of WC1+ T lymphocytes increase markedly in the tonsillar epithelium. These results accredit the hypothesis that the presence of antigens has an effect on the localization of these lymphocytes at these sites.     

川楝素对妊娠小鼠子宫组织中CD4+/CD8+T细胞和F4/80+巨噬细胞的影响

为探讨CD4+、CD8+ T淋巴细胞和F4/80+巨噬细胞在流产发生机制中的意义,研究中药单体成分川楝素诱导小鼠流产的作用及机理,本试验给妊娠5 d小鼠连续3 d腹腔注射不同剂量的川楝素溶液,对照组以等量的蒸馏水代替,于妊娠9 d处死.在给药后发现随着注射川楝素剂量的增加,小鼠的流产率逐渐上升,CD4+、CD8+ T淋...     

Cross-reactivity of mAbs to human CD antigens with cells from cattle

A panel of 377 commercially available mAbs were submitted to the animal homologue section of the 8th International Workshop on Human Leukocyte Differentiation Antigens (HLDA8, Adelaide, Australia) for cross-reactivity studies on different animal species. In this study we describe the results of testing the mAbs on cattle cells by flow cytometry and Western blot. Eight commercial suppliers participated, providing mAbs to a total of 144 CD antigens plus controls. Fifty-two mAbs were identified as potentially staining cattle cells in the first round screen. In the second phase, 38 mAbs were confirmed as staining cattle cells. This included some that may recognise polymorphic determinants and others with atypical distribution patterns compared to humans. mAb to human CD9, CD11a, CD14, CD18, CD21, CD23, CD29, CD44, CD45R, CD47, CD49d and CD172a cross-reacted with bovine cells and mAb to CD22, CD88, CD119 and CD163 stained CD antigens that have not previously been identified in cattle.     

Individual antigens of cattle. Differentiation antigens expressed predominantly on CD4- CD8- T lymphocytes (WC1, WC2).

The 14 mAbs representing workshop cluster 1 recognise a 215/300 kDa antigen expressed on a subpopulation of lymphocytes which express low levels of CD5 but are negative for other B and T cell markers defined by workshop antibodies. Separate studies with cDNA probes for bovine CD3 and T cell receptor indicate that these lymphocytes are gamma/delta T cells. It is of note that the different mAbs react with varying proportions of this cell population, suggesting that the antigen undergoes considerable post-translational modification. A further two mAbs, designated workshop cluster 2, react with a 37/47 kDa heterodimeric molecule expressed in a subpopulation of the WC1+ cells and on an additional small population of T lymphocytes. The cell populations recognised by the two mAbs are different although they overlap in some animals. It is suggested that these mAbs may be specific for T cell receptor molecules.     

Overview of the Second International Workshop to define swine cluster of differentiation (CD) antigens

The aim of the Second International Swine Cluster of Differentiation (CD) Workshop, supported by the Veterinary Immunology Committee (VIC) of the International Union of Immunological Societies (IUIS), was to standardize the assignment of monoclonal antibodies (mAb) reactive with porcine leukocyte differentiation antigens and to define new antibody clusters. At the summary meeting of the workshop in July, 1995, revisions in the existing nomenclature for Swine CD were approved, so that the rules are now in accord with those for human and ruminant CD. Swine CD numbers will now be given to clusters of mAb to swine orthologues of human CD molecules when homology is proven by (1) suitable tissue distribution and lymphoid cell subset expression, (2) appropriate molecular mass of the antigen recognized by the mAbs, and (3) reactivity of mAbs with the cloned swine gene products, or cross-reactivity of the mAb on the human gene products. In some cases, this reactivity would not be fully proven, mainly due to the lack of cloned gene products; for these CD antigens, the respective clusters will be assigned by the prefix ‘w' which will lead to ‘wCD' antigens. As a result of the Second International Swine CD Workshop the assignment of 16 mAb to existing CD groups (CD2a, CD4a, CD5a, wCD6, wCD8, CD14, CD18a, wCD21, wCD25) was confirmed, and 2 mAb to existing swine workshop clusters (SWC). More importantly, for the work on the porcine immune system, was the definition of 5 new swine CD antigens, namely CD3 (recognized by 6 new mAb and 3 epitopes), CD16 (1 new mAb), wCD29 (2 mAb), CD45RA (3 mAb) and CD45RC (1 new mAb). Finally, the demarcation of two new SWC molecules in swine, SWC8 (2 mAb) and SWC9 (2 mAb) was confirmed.     

Reactivity of monoclonal antibodies to human CD antigens with cells from mink

Three hundred and seventy six monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) raised against human leukocyte surface antigens were analyzed by flow cytometry for cross reactivities against mink leukocytes. We found 53 mAbs (14%) to cross react. This study defined cross reactions to the following human markers: CD1a, CD9 (4 mAbs), CD10, CD11a (2 mAbs), CD14 (3 mAbs), CD18 (5 mAbs), CD20 (atypical reaction), CD21, CD25 (atypical reaction), CD29 (3 mAbs), CD32, CD41, CD42a, CD44 (4 mAbs), CD45, CD45RO, CD47 (2 mAbs), CD49d (3 mAbs), CD61 (2 mAbs), CD62P, CD66abcd, CD71, CD75s, CD79b (2 mAbs), CD86, CD88, CD104 (atypical reaction), CD172a, CD236R (glycophorin C, (atypical reaction)), Xg(a) carbohydrate antigen, Rhesus antigen and two unspecified PAN-reactive mAbs. In order to characterize the molecular mass of the corresponding cross reacting mink markers, the mAbs were used to immunoprecipitate the surface antigens. Fourteen mAbs out of the 53 mAbs reactive with mink leukocytes gave reproducible IP findings. The masses of the precipitated antigens were generally in good agreement with those of the homologous human markers. We also performed immunohistochemical staining analyses on formalin fixed, paraffin embedded mink tissue from lymph node and spleen, and found 7 out of 22 mAbs to give a positive signal. Generally, the immunohistological analyses resulted in expected staining patterns.     

Monoclonal antibodies to lymphocyte surface antigens for cetacean homologues to CD2, CD19 and CD21.

CD2 is a pan-T cell marker, while CD19 and CD21 are important molecules in signal transduction of B lymphocytes. CD19 and CD21 are both present on mature B cells, while CD19 is also present in developing B cells and plasma cells. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against cetacean lymphocyte putative homologues to CD2 (two different antibodies), CD19 and CD21 were characterized. The proteins immunoprecipitated were as follows: F21.I (putative anti-CD2), 43 and 59kDa; F21.B (putative anti-CD19), 83 and 127kDa; F21.F (putative anti-CD21), 144kDa. The second putative anti-CD2 (F21.C) selectively inhibited the binding of F21.I. Both the putative anti-CD2 (T cell markers) stained T-cell zones on lymph node sections, while both the B cell markers (putative CD19 and CD21) stained B-cell zones. F21.B and F21.F were absent from thymus single cell suspension but labeled 63 and 65% mesenteric lymph node lymphocytes, respectively, while both F21.C and F21.F were present on 100% thymocytes and fewer lymph node lymphocytes. B and T cell markers were mutually exclusive on double labeling using flow cytometry. These mAbs are foreseen as possible valuable diagnostic and research tools to assess immune functions of captive and wild cetaceans.     

Summary of workshop findings for antibodies reacting with porcine T-cells and activation antigens: results from the Second International Swine CD Workshop

After initial evaluation of the 176 new and 19 control monoclonal antibodies (mAb) submitted to the Second International Swine CD Workshop, 57 were assigned to the T-cell/activation marker subgroup. These 57 mAb were further analyzed using flow cytometry on whole blood lymphocytes, splenocytes, Peyer's patch lymphocytes, in vitro cell lines, broncho-alveolar lavage cells, Con A and PHA blasts, fetal cell populations, and by 2-color flow cytometry against mAb to porcine CD2, CD4, and CD8. Finally, the molecular weights of the target antigens were characterized when possible. As a result of these analyses, 23 mAb were distributed into 7 CD clusters. Newly confirmed mAb assignments included: two CD2; one CD4; two CD5; one wCD6; and one wCD25. Three new mAb were found that reacted with wCD8, one of which defined a new epitope, wCD8c. For the first time, mAb against porcine CD3 were identified, including 6 mAb that reacted with three different epitopes. Several new mAb reacted with antigens whose expression varied depending on the activation state of the test cell. These will require further characterization in order to assign a CD number.     

Characterization of two monoclonal antibodies which recognize different subpopulations of chicken T lymphocytes

Distribution among peripheral T lymphocyte subpopulations and biochemical properties of the chicken lymphocyte surface antigens defined by monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) Lc-4 and Lc-6 were examined. Two-color immunofluorescence analysis revealed that Lc-4 and Lc-6 antigens were expressed on mutually exclusive subpopulations of peripheral T lymphocytes but not on B lymphocytes. Lc-4 mAb precipitated a polypeptide with apparent molecular mass of 35 and 65 kilodalton under reducing and non-reducing conditions, respectively. These results indicated that the antigen recognized with Lc-4 was closely similar in tissue distribution and biochemical property to mammalian CD8 antigen.     

Characterization of a canine CD44 specific monoclonal antibody

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) were generated against a CD44 mRNA expressing (RT-PCR) macrophage/monocyte cell line (DH82) from a dog with malignant histiocytosis. The mAbs, that reacted with DH82 cells by FACS analysis were tested on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues. Exclusively the incubation of DH82 cell pellets with mAbs from clone 2D10 resulted in a cell membrane associated immunoreaction. Immunoelectron microscopy specified, that the antibody bound exclusively to the cell membrane and processes of DH82 cells. The mAb was tested on a variety of normal canine tissues, including lymphoid, urinary, alimentary, respiratory, and endocrine organs, nervous tissues, liver, pancreas, skin, and muscles. Furthermore, tumour and inflamed tissues were tested for immunoreaction with the mAb. Immunohistologically, the 2D10 mAb reacted with macrophages/monocytes, subsets of lymphocytes, epithelial cells, and central nervous system white matter. FACS analysis of canine peripheral blood leukocytes showed, that a high proportion of lymphocytes and granulocytes were positive with this mAb. Western blot analysis revealed, that the 2D10 mAb bound to a protein with a molecular weight of about 85 kDa. The results of FACS and Western blot analyses, RT-PCR, immunohistology and immunoelectron microscopy strongly suggest that the antigen detected by the 2D10 mAb is most likely the canine equivalent of human CD44, a cell bound hyaluronan binding proteoglycan.     

Definition of the specificity of monoclonal antibodies against porcine CD45 and CD45R: report from the CD45/CD45R and CD44 subgroup of the Second International Swine CD Workshop

Swine cell binding analyses of a set of 48 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), including eleven standards, assigned to the CD44 and CD45 subset group of the Second International Swine CD Workshop yielded 13 clusters. Although none of these corresponded to CD44, seven mAbs formed a cluster which was identified as being specific for restricted epitopes of CD45 (CD45R). In addition, a T-cell subset specific cluster comprised of four mAbs was also identified. Two mAbs (STH106 and SwNL 554.1) reacted exclusively with CD8 bright lymphocytes, the other two (2B11 and F01G9) with a subset of CD4 lymphocytes. The other 10 clusters were either specific for MHC-class I like molecules or overlapped with clusters identified by the adhesion molecule subgroup and are therefore just briefly discussed in this report. The specificity of all the mAbs in the CD45R cluster was verified by their ability to immunoprecipitate distinct proteins and to react with CHO cells expressing individual isoforms of CD45. Three CD45R mAbs (3a56, MIL5, −a2) did react with a 210 kDa isoform(s), while another three (STH267, FG2F9, 6E3/7) only recognized a 226 kDa isoform(s). The remaining one (MAC326) precipitated both a 210 and 226 kDa protein. The specificity of all the mAbs in the CD45R cluster, and of the CD45 common mAbs, was confirmed by their reactivity with CHO cells transfected with cDNAs encoding the extracellular and transmembrane portions of distinct CD45R isoforms. Those mAbs recognizing a 210 kDa protein reacted with CHO cells expressing the CD45RC isoform, while those capable of precipitating a 226 kDa, but not the 210 kDa, polypeptide recognized CHO cells expressing either the CD45RAC and the relatively rare CD45RA isoform. MAC326 was unique in its inability to react with CHO cells engineered to produce the CD45RC and CD45RAC isoforms. Thus, three mAbs (6E3/7, STH267, and FG2F9) appear to be specific for an epitope(s) encoded by the A exon, while one (MAC326) recognizes a determinant encoded by the C exon. The remaining three mAbs (3a56, −a2, MIL5) are apparently specific for an epitope(s) which results from the fusion of the C exon to the invariant leader sequence and is destroyed by inclusion of the A exon. All three CD45 common mAbs, K252.1E4, MAC323 and 74.9.3, did react with the CHO cells lines expressing either the CD45RA, CD45RC, CD45RAC or CD45RO isoforms, but not with untransfected CHO cells. When the natural expression of CD45 isoforms was examined by reacting lymphocytes with CD45R mAbs, a high level expression of isoforms containing the A exon-generated domain was detected in all B cells while the majority of CD4⁺ T cells had undetectable or lower expression density of this protein than B cells. In contrast, the density of expression of the CD45 isoform(s) containing the C exon-generated domain ranged from undetectable to high in CD4⁺ T cells whereas the amounts were approximately ten-fold lower in B cells. Overall this panel of CD45 mAbs will be very useful in analyzing the maturation and differentiation of swine lymphoid cells subsets.     

Cross-reaction of anti-human CD monoclonal antibodies on guinea pig cells: a summary of the guinea pig section of the HLDA8 animal homologues data

A panel of 377 commercially available monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) specific for a total of 144 CD antigens was submitted to the animal homologue section of the Eighth International Workshop on Human Leukocyte Differentiation Antigens (HLDA8, Adelaide, Australia) for cross-reactivity studies in a range of vertebrate species. Each of the mAbs in this study was screened for positive reactivity with guinea pig splenocytes by flow cytometry. In the first phase of this study 36 of the total 367 mAbs (9.81%) cross-reacted with splenocyte surface molecules. The majority (26 of 36) of these cross-reactive mAbs were analysed further to confirm appropriate cell subset expression by two-color immunofluorescence. Our results indicate that 15 anti-human CD9, CD10, CD14, CD20 (two clones), CD22, CD25, CD29 (two clones), CD32, CD47 (two clones), CD49d, CD49e, and CD86 mAbs exhibit clear cross-reactivity with guinea pig splenocytes. These mAb can potentially be added to the limited repertoire of reagents available for studies in this model system. This data clearly indicates that mouse anti-human CD mAb guinea pig cross-reactions have been defined and that an aim of this HLDA8 section has been fulfilled, i.e., to identify mAbs which recognize conserved, species-independent CD epitopes. These results will contribute to the availability of mAbs and tools in veterinary medicine and immunology.     

Immunoprecipitation of equine CD molecules using anti-human MABs previously analyzed by flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry

Earlier studies investigating the cross-reactivity of antibodies submitted to the HLDA8 had used flow cytometry as a method of choice to screen mAbs for reactivity with equine leukocytes, including two-color flow-cytometry to characterize the lymphocyte population they detect. In addition, immuno-histochemistry (IHC) was used to detect distribution of positive cells in lymphoid tissue sections. In this study we performed immunoprecipitation (IP) to complement the previous results and add valuable information regarding the molecules detected by the cross-reacting antibodies. Surface molecules from primary equine PBMC or the equine cell line T8888 were biotinylated prior to precipitation to determine the molecular weight of the corresponding molecules in a western blot using streptavidin-AP. 21 out of 24 mAbs precipitated the molecules with a MW corresponding to its human orthologue. Positive mAbs were directed against CD2, CD5, CD11a, CD11b, CD14, CD18, CD21, CD44, CD83, CD91, CD172a, MHCI and MHCII. Three mAbs directed against CD49d, CD163, and CD206 which were unambiguously identified earlier by flow cytometry failed to immunoprecipitate the corresponding CD molecule. MAbs detecting CD molecules which are expressed internally like CD68 and mAbs of IgM class could not be included into this approach.