Antibodies to major histocompatibility antigens produced by hybrid cell lines

FUSION between myeloma cells and spleen cells from immunised donors has been shown to be a successful method of deriving homogeneous anti-SRBC (anti-sheep red blood cell) and anti-TNP antibodies1,2. One of the most powerful features of this approach is that, by cloning, one may easily derive cell lines synthesising monoclonal antibodies despite using non-purified immunogens. The multiple components of a heterogeneous population of hybrid cells are resolved by cloning techniques. This feature makes the system a very powerful tool in the study of complex antigenic structures. The established cell lines offer the further advantage of unlimited permanent supply of material, and the possibility of worldwide standardisation.