A polymorphic monoclonal anti-BoLA class I antibody

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Veterinary Science
• Genetics

Background:

• Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are crucial tools for characterizing cell surface antigens.
• Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules play a vital role in immune responses and are highly polymorphic.
• Bovine leukocyte antigen (BoLA) system, the MHC in cattle, exhibits significant genetic diversity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To generate and characterize a novel cytotoxic monoclonal antibody, IVA 44.
• To investigate the reactivity and specificity of mAb IVA 44 against bovine leukocyte antigen (BoLA) molecules.
• To explore the potential of mAb IVA 44 in identifying specific BoLA subtypes.

Main Methods:

• Generation of monoclonal antibody IVA 44 through immunization with peripheral blood mononuclear (PBM) cells and skin graft boost.
• Immunoprecipitation to isolate and analyze the membrane antigen recognized by mAb IVA 44.
• Serological typing of cattle using mAb IVA 44 and comparison with existing BoLA typing data from workshops and local populations.

Main Results:

• mAb IVA 44 recognizes a membrane antigen composed of two subunits, characteristic of MHC class I molecules.
• The antibody identified BoLA A14 (A8) specificity in animals typed in the Fifth BoLA workshop.
• mAb IVA 44 reacted with all A8-positive cattle, including A14 and A15 subtypes, in Czech and Slovak populations, suggesting detection of a broad A8 subtype.

Conclusions:

• Monoclonal antibody IVA 44 potentially detects a broad subtype of BoLA A8, encompassing A14 and specific A15 splits.
• Observed differences in A15 reactivity between workshop and local populations may be due to varying frequencies of A15 subtypes.
• mAb IVA 44 provides a valuable tool for further investigation into BoLA polymorphism and immune system studies in cattle.