Production of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against white spot syndrome virus (WSSV)

Nine hybridoma clones secreting monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) were produced from mouse myeloma and spleen cells immunized with white spot syndrome viru s (WSSV), an important pathogen of cultured penaeid shrimp in Asia since 19 93. An indirect immunofluorescence assay was standardized to evaluate the u sefulness of the MAbs for rapid diagnostic techniques to identify WSSV and for further study of this virus. Isotyping revealed that the MAbs were of i mmunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) class, all with kappa ligh t chains. Four MAbs were examined by using immune electron microscopy and c olloidal gold as a marker. Three MAbs recognized epitopes on the envelope o f the virus and one MAb recognized an epitope on the capsid. The specificit y of the MAbs to WSSV was determined by a lack of reactivity with tissue co ntaining a second penaeid shrimp agent, the baculoviral mid-gut gland necro sis virus.