Production and characterization of monoclonal antibodies to bovid herpesvirus-4.

Thirty-five hybridoma cell lines secreting monoclonal antibodies (Mabs) against bovid herpesvirus-4 (BHV-4) strain V. Test were produced. These hybrid cells resulted from the fusion of SP2/0 myeloma cells with splenocytes of BALB/c mice previously immunized with purified BHV-4. A modified indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) was applied as a screening procedure and was compared with an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The selected Mabs were tested by the same IFAT against a panel of BHV-4 field isolates and against bovine herpesvirus-1, bovine herpesvirus-2 and alcelaphine herpesvirus-1 (AHV-1). Comparison of BHV-4 field isolates with Mabs confirmed their close antigenic relationships, but slight antigenic differences were observed between different isolates. One of the Mabs also reacted against AHV-1, indicating an antigenic relationship between BHV-4 and AHV-1. None of the Mabs reacting with BHV-4 possessed neutralizing activity against the strain used for immunization.