Development and characterization of a monoclonal antibody reactive with a 28 kDa protease of Fasciola gigantica.

ABSTRACT

A monoclonal antibody that was reactive with a 28-kDa protease of Fasciola gigantica was produced after hyperimmunizing BALB/c mice with a partially purified extract and a purified 28-kDa protease obtained from the fluke. Isotype analysis showed that the immunoglobulin is IgG3. Seven other monoclonals of isotypes IgG1, IgG2 and IgG3 which reacted with the protease and one to three other protein bands were also produced. In addition, four other clones of hybridoma produced antibodies which recognised a 27/28-kDa protein doublet but the 28-kDa component of this doublet was different from the 28-kDa protease. The reactivities and characteristics of the monoclonal antibodies were studied by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunoblotting and immunoprecipitation tests.