Establishment of a human lymphoblastoid cell line with specific antibody production against group A streptococcal carbohydrate

Abstract

A human lymphoblastoid cell line, secreting specific antibody against Group A carbohydrate (A-CHO) was established by pre-selection of antigen binding normal human lymphocytes, followed by Epsetin Barr virus (EBV) induced immortalization. Culture supernatants were assayed for anti A-CHO antibodies by radioimmunoassay, N-acetyl-glucosamine-coupled T4-phage plaque inhibition tests and passive hemagglutination. As a rule, the supernatants contained about 10 micrograms/ml anti-A-CHO antibodies of the IgM-kappa type. The antibody was fractionated and partially purified on an N-acetyl glucosamine Sepharose 4B column with a recovery of about 3 micrograms/ml of supernatant.