Rapid diagnosis and characterization of equid herpesvirus 1 using monoclonal antibodies.

Twelve monoclonal antibodies (Mabs) were produced against the attenuated RACH subtype 1 strain of Equid herpesvirus 1. Nine were subtype specific by immunofluorescence or immunoperoxidase, while the other three were against epitopes common to both subtypes. Use of these Mabs allowed isolates to be rapidly and easily subtyped. Immunoblotting indicated that the subtype common Mabs were against viral proteins of MW 140 K and 90 K (VP 9 and 14), while the subtype-specific Mabs were against the glycosylated VP 2 (MW greater than 240 K), and also against VP 12 (MW 110 K) and VP 15 (MW 88 K). Membrane, cytoplasmic, or particulate nuclear patterns of fluorescence were characteristic for each of these proteins. None of the Mabs had neutralising activity but those directed against VP 2 restricted plaque size.