Studies on monoclonal anti-idiotypic and anti-isotypic antibodies against leukemia and myeloma: III. Analysis of monoclonal antibodies recognizing the antigenic epitopes by use of ELISA additivity test and microcomputer grouping programme.

ELISA double antibodies additivity test was employed to identify the epitopes which can be recognized by monoclonal antibodies (McAbs) against IgM of a patient with B chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL). The computer grouping programme analysis showed that 4 anti-isotype McAbs could be divided into two groups and 10 anti-idiotype McAbs could be divided into four groups. The result was consistent with that of the indirect ELISA, ELISA sandwich as well as ELISA inhibition test. The above findings suggested that there are at least 6 distinct IgM epitopes which can specifically react with 14 McAbs. Our study indicated that the combination of the ELISA additivity test and the computer grouping programme analysis provides a helpful tool for researchers into the relationship between the structure and function of antigens.