Antibodies of predetermined specificity to apolipoprotein C-II elicited with a synthetic peptide. Characterization and use for immunoassays.

Antibodies of predetermined specificity raised against a synthetic peptide corresponding to the C-terminal region of apolipoprotein C-II (Apo C-II) 63-79 were shown to be specific for the apolipoprotein by Western blot. The recognition by these antibodies of Apo C-II containing lipoprotein particles (both isolated and in plasma) was studied in a fluid-phase radioimmunoassay and the affinity constant for plasma was determined. The role of lipids in the expression of epitopes was studied by comparing the antigenicity of intact and delipidated Apo C-II containing fractions. The antibodies proved to be as suitable as conventional anti-protein antibodies in an immunoenzymometric assay and, moreover, were able to develop 'rockets' in an electroimmunoassay.