Production and characterization of monoclonal antibodies against tilapia Oreochromis niloticus immunoglobulin

Eight monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against tilapia immunoglobulins (Ig) wer e produced and characterized. All of the MAbs are functional for use in enz yme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) and immunoblotting applications. C haracterization of the MAbs for mouse Ig class and subclass indicate that f our were IgG 2b, two were IgG 2a, one was IgG 3, and one was IgM K class. W estern blot analysis of the eight hybridomas with purified Nile tilapia Ig indicated that all eight MAbs were heavy chain specific and further analysi s indicated that all eight MAbs react with tilapia Ig H chain and cross-rea ctive with other tilapia species and their hybrids. (C) 2000 Elsevier Scien ce B.V. All rights reserved.