An anti-lymphocyte monoclonal antibody (HB8) which cross reacts with human dermal elastic fibers.

A monoclonal antibody (MoAb) was selected during a fusion aimed at the preparation of antibodies specific for human T lymphocytes. This antibody reacted against all lymphocytes, but was not specific for the lymphoid lineage because it also detected monocytes, granulocytes and platelets. On skin sections it was found to stain specifically the microfibrillar component of the elastic fibers. This observation illustrates the unexpected specificities often found when making MoAb and, although its significance is still unexplained, provides a unique tool having potential application for anatomy, histopathology, comparative biology and vascular pathology.