Monoclonal antibodies sera screening

This chapter describes the production of anti-serums, the purification of antibodies, and the most important immunological screening technologies. For monoclonal antibodies, I refer you to Methods Enzymol. I (1986) 121, Hybridoma Technology and Monoclonal Antibodies. I also touch only briefly upon the newer in-vitro immunization methods in the following (with friendly consultation from Dr. Rose-John, Mainz). 

Typically, capture ELISAs are used for screening potential transformed plants, followed by Western blotting to confirm the correct relative molecular mass of the recombinant product The techniques are identical to those in routine standard use, however due to the ubiquitous nature of plant produas in aU diets and the consequent presence of plant protein reactive antibodies, it is important to use affinity purified antibodies at all stages. Similarly, if monoclonal antibodies are used it is often necessary to remove any contaminating antibodies that might be present, for example in fetal calf serum. 

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