Production and characterisation of monoclonal antibodies to antigens from Xiphinema index

When feeding, Xiphinema index induces remarkable cellular modifications at the feeding site in the root tips of its hosts, similar to those induced by root endoparasites such as Meloidogyne spp. The large size of X. index enables direct analysis of their proteins. Following immunisation of a mouse with macerated extracts of X. index bodies, a panel of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) was obtained against this nematode. The MAbs were used in immunolocalisation studies and antibodies recognising epitopes present at the surface coat, inner cuticle, dorsal gland cell and dorsal duct, body wall muscle fibres, nervous system and reproductive system were identified. These antibodies provide useful tools for studying plant-nematode interactions.