Isolation of molecules recognized by monoclonal antibodies and antisera: the solid phase immunoisolation technique.

A simple technique for the isolation of antigens recognized by antisera and monoclonal antibodies has been developed. This method, the solid-phase immunoisolation technique, employs the protein-binding properties of polyvinylchloride microtiter plates. Antibodies are adsorbed to the plates either directly or via an anti-immunoglobulin reagent. Antigen is then placed in the wells, and allowed to adsorb to the antibody. The well is washed, and the antigen is then eluted with a denaturing electrophoresis sample buffer for one- or two-dimensional analysis. The solid-phase immunoisolation technique has been used to isolate a variety of cell membrane antigens with high signals and low backgrounds. The ease of the procedure and the high signal-to-noise ratio make this method preferable to the use of a staphylococcal adsorbent for many applications.