[Preparation and identification of anti-Trichomonas vaginalis monoclonal antibodies]

Abstract

Hybridomas producing monoclonal antibodies (McAb) directed against Trichomonas vaginalis have been produced by fusing NSI myeloma cells with spleen cells of BALB/c mice immunized with Trichomonas vaginalis. IFA technique was used to test the binding activity of four McAbs produced. The McAb belonged to the IgG subtypes IgG1 (2A2, 2A4 McAb), IgG3 (2H9 McAb) and IgG 2b (2A12 McAb). Three McAbs, designated 2A2, 2A4, 2A12, reacted with a surface membrane component of live Trichomonas vaginalis. One (2A12) of them produced complement-dependent cytolysis of the parasites. Others (2A2,2A4) produced complement-independent cytotoxicity of the parasites. 2H9 McAb which reacted with the nucleus of the organisms did not agglutinate the parasites. The four McAbs which did not have cross reaction with some protozoa of Zoomastigophorea species were specific antibodies against Trichomonas vaginalis. (Figs. 1-3).