Identification of monoclonal antibodies specific for the gamma/delta TCR.

Twelve monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) formed temporary cluster TC36. mAb CACTB6A was included as a standard antibody that reacted with the gamma/delta T cell receptor (TCR). Eight of the mAbs, CACTB6A, CACT16A, CACT17A, CACTB12A, CACTB44A, CACT71A, CACT18A and CACT61A, immunoprecipitated a 47 kDa molecule indicating that they all recognize the gamma/delta TCR. Flow cytometric studies separated these mAbs into three groups that distinguish three different gamma/delta TCR. mAb BAQ72A, which fell within TC36, immunoprecipitated a 215 kDa molecule with a similar tissue and cellular distribution to BoWC1 mAb. mAbs CACT26A, CACT63A and CACT77A reacted similarly to each other by flow cytometry and immunohistology, but were distinct from the other mAbs in TC36. These three mAbs may recognize an activation molecule and form a distinct novel mAb cluster.