Immunodetection of cell-bound antigens using both mouse and human monoclonal antibodies.

A micro enzyme-linked immunoassay (EIA) has been developed for the rapid and sensitive detection of either human or mouse monoclonal antibodies reactive with cell bound antigens. Whole intact cells are immobilized onto 96-well flat bottom microtiter plates by drying in an oven at 37 degrees C overnight prior to the start of the assay. This method of attachment was suitable for all cell types tested, regardless of origin, size and chromosomal content. The dried cells were then rehydrated, incubated with the appropriate test hybridoma supernatant, followed with subsequent analysis by EIA. The plates can be stored at 4 degrees C up to 1 month for future EIA analysis. This assay offers high sensitivity, requires only small amounts of target cells and test hybridoma supernatant, and can be completed within 3 h. This EIA is well suited for the rapid screening of large numbers of hybridoma supernatants and can also be adapted to include cells of any species, providing the appropriate antibody reagents are available.