Characterization of monoclonal antibodies specific for feline serum amyloid (SAA) protein

Serum amyloid A (SAA) has been characterized as an inflammatory marker in m any species. In this study, we have developed and characterized monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against feline SAA (fSAA) derived from culture hybridomas , These hybridomas were produced from the fusion of BaIb/c-derived myeloma s/p20-Ag14 and splenocytes from mice immunized with purified recombinant fe line SAA (rfSAA), Six hybridomas secreting MAbs; M2, M5, M7, M8, M13, and M 15, were selected and subcloned on the basis of their specificity to rfSAA by enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay (ELISA), and confirmed based on thei r specificity to rfSAA by immunoblot analysis. Out of six clones, two clone s (M5 and M7) showed higher reactivity with rfSAA, and were selected for fu rther analysis of ELISA additivity and Western blot cross-reactivity tests. As a result, M5 and M7 clones recognized the same or excessively near epit opes on rfSAA and reacted with rfSAA, fSAA and equine recombinant SAA, but showed no reaction with human recombinant SAA, Because of their specificity , these MAbs may be usefully applied in studying the measurement of SAA con centration in cat serum.