Monoclonal antibodies against antigenic epitopes common between Setaria cervi and Brugia malayi.

ABSTRACT

Several common antigens between the bovine (Setaria cervi) and human (Brugia malayi) filarial parasites have been demonstrated [Immunol Investig, 16 (1987) 139]. Hybridoma cell lines producing monoclonal antibodies against such common antigenic epitopes were obtained by immunizing the BALB/c mice with S. cervi antigen, fusing the spleen cells with Sp2/0 myeloma cells and screening the culture supernatants for antibody against both S. cervi and B. malayi antigens by ELISA. Nine monoclonal antibodies directed against antigenic epitopes common between the bovine and human filarial parasites were identified. Two monoclonal antibodies (I3B4 and I5D6) showed reactivity with the antigen(s) present in filariasis patients serum and thus may have potential for detecting circulating antigen in filaria infected individuals.