Monoclonal antibodies specific for p24, the major core protein of human T-cell leukemia virus type III.

Four mouse hybridomas secreting monoclonal antibodies specific for p24, the major core antigen of the human T-cell leukemia virus type III (HTLV-III), have been developed, and their specificities have been partially characterized. These antibodies specifically recognized p24 of HTLV-III in extracts of HTLV-III and in HTLV-III-producing cells. No epitopes cross-reactive with HTLV-I and -II were detected with these antibodies. These hybridomas will be extremely valuable reagents in identifying expression of HTLV-III in infected cultures and in cells or tissues from patients with suspected immunodeficiency syndrome.