An on-line computer data bank of monoclonal antibodies that recognize allergens--invitation for entries

Monoclonal antibodies that recognize allergens are potentially extremely useful reagents for use in a variety of applications, including highly specific and sensitive assays for the standardization of allergen extracts and the measurement of environmental allergens, epitope mapping of allergens, comparison of IgE-binding determinants, and the immunolocalization of allergens in thin sections. Although monoclonal antibodies have many properties that enable them to be shared internationally, it is difficult to know from the literature what monoclonal antibodies are available and, in some cases, what are the individual characteristics of the antibodies. We are organizing an on-line data base of information about allergen-reactive monoclonal antibodies, which can be accessed by computer with international telecommunications networks. Each record of a monoclonal antibody includes details, if they are known, of allergen source and name, antibody production, complimentary antigenic determinant, names and addresses of the owners, availability of the antibody, and other important information. Investigators who have produced monoclonal antibodies that react with allergens are invited to submit details of the antibodies for inclusion in the data base.