Detection of H-2 and Sendai virus antigens by chemiluminescence

Two monoclonal antibodies reacting with Ia9 and H2.2, respectively, have been added to spleen cell suspensions prepared from mice of different H-2 haplotypes. Cellular light emission was monitored in a liquid scintillation spectrometer operated in the out-of-coincidence mode. The antibodies stimulated chemiluminescence (CL) in cells possessing the target antigenic determinant, but were inactive in cells lacking the determinant. In addition, CL could be stimulated in Sendai virus-infected spleen cells with anti-Sendai antibodies. The results demonstrate that CL measurement is a sensitive and simple method for the detection of cell surface antigens and for the screening of antibodies reacting with these antigens.