[Monoclonal Anti-Id as substitute for HBsAg to detect Anti-HBs]

According to Jerne's idiotype-anti-idiotype network theory, a new method to detect Anti-HBs was studied. This method utilized monoclonal Anti-Id as a substitute for HBsAg of the routine method adopting the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) format. The serum specimen was incubated with solid-phase (polyvinyl chloride) that had been coated with monoclonal Anti-Id. If Anti-HBs was present in the serum, it would be combined with the Anti-Id. HRP-labeled goat Anti-human IgG was added, which reacted with the immobilized Anti-HBs. Under optimal conditions, 0.5 microgram/ml Anti-HBs could be detected. This method is safe, simple, and specific for Anti-HBs with no cross-reactivity with Anti-HBs, Anti-HBe and rheumatic factor positive serum, and the reagents can be obtained in unlimited amounts and are homogeneous. These features are particularly attractive when the antigen is difficult to obtain.