Cross-reactivity of monoclonal antibodies to bovine immunoglobulins with immunoglobulins of other species.

Monoclonal antibodies (Mabs) to bovine immunoglobulin heavy chain of the four major isotypes gamma 1, gamma 2, alpha, mu and the light chains (combined kappa and lambda) were produced and found to cross-react in enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) with immunoglobulins of some other animal species despite the discrete specificity associated with an antibody derived from a single clone. This cross-reactivity, particularly amongst ruminants, could be utilized in serological testing for the diagnosis of disease in these species. For example, Mabs produced against bovine immunoglobulin light chain cross-react with bison immunoglobulin light chain and were used successfully in serological testing as the secondary detection antibody in an indirect ELISA for the diagnosis of Brucella abortus in bison herds in north-western Canada.