Directed fusion in hybridoma production

We have attempted to increase the frequency of azobenzene arsonate-specific hybrids by bridging specific B cells to the myeloma partner cells prior to polyethylene glycol-induced fusion. Bridging was accomplished by prelabeling the B cells with avidin-labeled antigen and incubating them with myeloma cells that had been modified directly with biotin. We have tested this system of hybridization with B cells from normal mice, and mice undergoing both primary and secondary responses. We found that the method is fruitful for IgG-secreting hybridomas of moderately high affinity.