Monoclonal antibodies that react with live Listeria spp

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Microbiology
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Listeria species are significant foodborne pathogens.
• Accurate and sensitive detection methods are crucial for public health.
• Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) offer specificity in diagnostic assays.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) for detecting live Listeria species.
• To evaluate the reactivity and specificity of these MAbs against various Listeria strains and other bacteria.
• To compare antibody performance using different immunoassay formats.

Main Methods:

• Development of seven monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against Listeria spp.
• Testing MAb reactivity with live Listeria strains representing different serotypes.
• Comparative analysis of MAb performance using magnetic immunoluminescence assay and whole-cell enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
• Western blot analysis to assess MAb reactivity with specific antigens.

Main Results:

• Two immunoglobulin M (IgM) and five immunoglobulin G (IgG) MAbs were generated.
• MAb 55-23 demonstrated broad reactivity against 148 out of 157 Listeria strains tested.
• Specific MAbs showed reactivity towards particular serotypes (e.g., 4b, 1/2a).
• Significant differences in MAb reactivity were observed between magnetic immunoluminescence and whole-cell ELISA.
• Minimal cross-reactivity was noted with Streptococcus spp., but not with Bacillus spp., E. coli, or Citrobacter sp.
• MAbs 55-23, 55-44, and 34-9 showed reactivity in Western blot assays.

Conclusions:

• The developed MAbs, particularly MAb 55-23, show promise for the specific detection of Listeria species.
• Assay format significantly impacts MAb performance, necessitating careful selection for diagnostic applications.
• Further characterization is needed to fully understand the antigenic targets and optimize MAb utility.