Monoclonal antibodies to cystic fibrosis antigen.

A series of monoclonal antibodies has been prepared against a granulocyte antigen previously shown to be present in the serum of individuals homozygous or heterozygous for the cystic fibrosis (CF) gene. The specificity of the monoclonals was established by their ability to remove the antigen (CF antigen) from serum. The monoclonals defined at least two epitope regions on CF antigen, thus permitting the establishment of a two-site sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Using the ELISA significant differences in levels of CF antigen were demonstrated in serum samples from CF homozygotes, CF heterozygotes and normal controls.