Development of Monoclonal Mouse Antibodies Specific for Allergenic Components in Ryegrass (Lolium perenne) Pollen

Abstract

The development of monoclonal mouse antibodies against ryegrass (Lolium perenne) pollen allergens is described. Hybridoma colonies secreting antibodies specific for allergenic components were detected using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Positive colonies were cloned and expanded. The pollen components with which the monoclonal antibodies interact were identified and characterised following sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and electrophoretic transfer to nitrocellulose. In this paper six monoclonal mouse antibodies are described. Three antibodies interact with a single molecule of between 30,000 and 35,000 daltons. One antibody interacts with a component of 16,000 daltons whereas the remaining two antibodies react with more than one component, one reacting with two components at 28,000 and 30,000, and the other with five components having molecular weights between 18,000 and 71,000 daltons.