Abstract
The use of immune complexes (IC) in an antibody excess, as immunizing agent, led to a large increase in the mouse polyclonal response to human SlgA. This enhanced response, as compared to SlgA alone, was analysed with mouse polyclonal anti-α chain antibodies (Ab). A kinetic study showed an early rise (between days 14 and 21) of the antibody response against the discontinuous epitopes of SlgA while the anti-lgA response increase was delayed. Induction of hybridomas with an IC consisting in SlgA containing an excess of anti-α chain Ab, increased 10-fold the number of positive wells.
Moreover, two of these MAb were specific for weakly immunogenic epitopes. One recognized only SlgA (anti-C), i.e. the association between the α chain and the secretory component (SC), while the other mainly combined to lgA dimers (anti-P). Both these MAb will be useful tools for structural studies and for the dosage of secretory Ab.
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