Production of monoclonal antibodies that detect Hodgkin's high molecular weight transforming growth factor-beta.

High molecular weight transforming growth factor-beta (TGF beta) is a physiologically active TGF secreted by nodular sclerosing Reed-Sternberg cells. Five monoclonal murine antibodies were prepared that distinguished Hodgkin's TGF beta from platelet-derived TGF beta using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, neutralization of biologic activity, and Western blotting. These monoclonal antibodies directed at unique antigenic determinants (epitopes) of Hodgkin's TGF beta will allow further characterization of the role of Hodgkin's TGF beta in Hodgkin's disease and related entities.