Production and characterization of monoclonal antibodies against tilapia Oreochromis niloticus immunoglobulin

Eight monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against tilapia immunoglobulins (Ig) were produced and characterized. All of the MAbs are functional for use in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) and immunoblotting applications. Characterization of the MAbs for mouse Ig class and subclass indicate that four were IgG 2b, two were IgG 2a, one was IgG 3, and one was IgM K class. Western blot analysis of the eight hybridomas with purified Nile tilapia Ig indicated that all eight MAbs were heavy chain specific and further analysis indicated that all eight MAbs react with tilapia Ig H chain and cross-reactive with other tilapia species and their hybrids. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V