The detection of monoclonal antibodies specific for surface components on zoospores and cysts of Phytophthora cinnamomi

Abstract

Immunofluorescent and enzyme-linked immunosorbent screening methods have been used to detect monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) raised to surface components of zoospores and cysts of the fungus Phytophthora cinnamomi. The efficacy of the techniques was tested with a view to meeting the following criteria: (1) a capacity to detect spatially, developmentally, and taxonomically restricted antigens; and (2) a capacity to handle the testing of large numbers of supernatants during hybridoma screening. Both types of assay detected cell lines producing antibodies to P. cinnamomi cells, but one immunofluorescent method utilizing multiwell microscope slides proved to be superior to the other techniques. We were thus able to detect MAbs which (a) bound only to zoospores or to cysts of P. cinnamomi but not to both, and (b) bound only to restricted parts of the zoospore surface. Show more