Production of a monoclonal antibody against chicken immunoglobulin G: A valuable molecule with research and diagnostic applications

Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) are invaluable molecules which have several advantages over polyclonal immunoglobulins (Igs) including consistency and higher specificity and hence can be used in biological researches, diagnosis and treatment of diseases. The present study was conducted to produce monoclonal antibody against chicken IgG. The IgG molecules were purified from chicken serum and used as antigens to immunize several mice. Thereafter, a well-immunized mouse was chosen and used for fusion process. After production of hybridoma cells, several rounds of cloning were carried out and produced MAbs were examined by various immunological assays including enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and western and dot blotting. Assessment of grown hybridomas indicated that only one clone (5B8) has produced desired MAb against chicken IgG. Meanwhile, using an indirect ELISA, it was shown that this MAb successfully recognizes chicken IgG molecules attached to influenza virus nucleoprotein. Evaluation of cross reactivity of MAb 5B8 with several avian serum samples revealed that this molecule specifically identifies chicken antibody molecules. However, it also recognized turkey antibodies with less affinity. In addition to research applications like isolation and purification of chicken and turkey IgG molecules, such a MAb can be applied to design and development of various immunoassays (e.g. ELISA) in these avian species.