Binding of monoclonal antibody to the Epstein Barr virus (EBV)/CR2 receptor induces activation and differentiation of human B lymphocytes

A panel of B cell-specific monoclonal antibodies that identify the CR2/EBV receptor were examined for their ability to mimic the T-independent mitogenic agent, EBV, and thus activate human peripheral blood B lymphocytes. Two of four different anti-CR2/EBV monoclonal antibodies, OKB7 and AB-1, produced a 50-fold to 200-fold dose-dependent stimulation of DNA synthesis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells. One of the other monoclonal antibodies, anti-B2, had slight activity, and the other, HB-5, was completely inactive. One of the mitogenic antibodies, OKB7, which directly inhibits binding and infection of B cells by EBV in the absence of a second anti-immunoglobulin antibody, was examined in further detail. Both the intact antibody in soluble form and its pepsin-derived F(ab')2 fragment stimulated DNA synthesis of unseparated B and T lymphocytes. Peak stimulation of DNA synthesis in peripheral blood mononuclear cells occurred between 4 to 6 days. B cells were responsible for incorporation of [3H]thymidine. However, T cells were required for activation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells by OKB7. OKB7, as well as the other mitogenic monoclonal anti-EBV/CR2 receptor antibody, also induced B cells to differentiate after 6 to 10 days of culture as indicated by polyclonal Ig secretion. IgM was the predominate immunoglobulin secreted. These studies thus indicate that certain epitopes on the EBV/CR2 receptor trigger B cells to divide and differentiate. This pathway of B cell activation, in contrast to that produced by EBV, is T cell dependent.     

OKB7, a monoclonal antibody that reacts at or near the C3d binding site of human CR2

OKB7, an IgG2 mouse monoclonal antibody, binds to the C3d receptor (CR2) of human B lymphocytes in or near the active site of the receptor. OKB7 precipitates the same molecule as monoclonal antibodies B2 and HB-5 which have previously been reported to react with the C3d receptor at epitopes distant from the active site. The epitope recognized by OKB7 is distinct from those bound by B2 and HB-5 as shown in competitive binding experiments and is near the complement binding site since OKB7 blocks EAC3d rosetting at concentrations as low as 1 microgram/ml in the absence of cross-linking antibodies.     

Incorporation of the purified Epstein Barr virus/C3d receptor (CR2) into liposomes and demonstration of its dual ligand binding functions

The 145-kDa molecule that has been identified as the C3d receptor CR2 was isolated from lysates of Raji cells by affinity chromatography by using the monoclonal antibody (MoAb)HB-5. The purified protein was incorporated into 14C-phosphatidylcholine liposomes by deoxycholate dialysis followed by flotation on discontinuous sucrose gradients. Incorporation of the receptor was verified by testing the gradient fractions for CR2 by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Liposomes were shown to be unilamellar vesicles ranging in diameter from 25 to 100 nm by electron microscopy. The external orientation of CR2 in the membranes was demonstrated by immunoelectron microscopy. The functional activities of liposomes containing CR2 and liposomes without protein were compared. CR2 liposomes bound to EC3d, but not to E, and this binding was inhibited by the anti-CR2 MoAb OKB7 and by a MoAb specific for C3d. Control liposomes failed to bind to either E or EC3d. The ability of CR2 to function as a receptor for Epstein Barr virus (EBV) was tested in two ways. First, CR2 liposomes bound to B95-8, a cell line expressing EBV membrane antigens, but not to B95-8 cells treated with the viral DNA polymerase inhibitor phosphonoformic acid. Second, liposomes containing CR2 were shown by ultracentrifugal analyses to bind directly to purified EBV, and this binding was also inhibited by OKB7. Control liposomes did not bind to B95-8 cells or to EBV. These findings show that CR2 purified from detergent extracts of Raji cells can be reconstituted into lipid membranes with maintenance of its dual functions as a receptor for C3d and EBV.     

Identification and characterization of the Epstein-Barr virus receptor on human B lymphocytes and its relationship to the C3d complement receptor (CR2).

In pursuing studies on the early events in the infection of human B cells by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), we examined the host cell attachment phase with a panel of B-cell-specific monoclonal antibodies. One of the monoclonal antibodies, OKB7, directly blocked the attachment of purified EBV to B lymphocytes in the absence of a second anti-immunoglobulin antibody and thereby prevented EBV infection of tonsil and peripheral blood B cells. Although earlier studies have shown a close association of the EBV and complement receptor (CR2), an anti-CR2 monoclonal antibody, anti-B2, did not directly block the binding of EBV to B cells. A comparison of the structures recognized by these monoclonal antibodies on various cell types and their functional and physiochemical properties was undertaken. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that the molecules detected by OKB7 and anti-B2 were coexpressed to the same extent on B cells but were not expressed on T-cell lines. OKB7 and anti-B2 both immunoprecipitated a 145,000-molecular-weight membrane protein with an isoelectric point of 8.2 from membrane extracts of Raji lymphoblastoid cells. OKB7 and, to a lesser extent, anti-B2 directly blocked the attachment of C3d,g-coated fluorescent microspheres and sheep erythrocytes bearing C3d to B cells, indicating that these antibodies also react with CR2. These studies indicate that the EBV-CR2 receptor is a single membrane glycoprotein which possesses multiple antigenic and functional epitopes.     

Adenylate cyclase toxin from Bordetella pertussis. Identification and purification of the holotoxin molecule

Bordetella pertussis adenylate cyclase (AC) toxin is a calmodulin-activated adenylate cyclase enzyme which has the capacity to enter eukaryotic target cells and catalyze the conversion of endogenous ATP into cyclic AMP. In this work, the AC holotoxin molecule is identified and isolated. It is a single polypeptide of apparent 216 kDa as determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Monoclonal antibodies which immunoprecipitate AC activity from extracts of wild type B. pertussis (BP338) react with this 216-kDa band on Western blots, and it is absent from a transposon Tn5 mutant (BP348) specifically lacking AC toxin. Isolation of the 216-kDa protein to greater than 85% purity by hydrophobic chromatography, preparative sucrose gradient centrifugation, and affinity chromatography using either calmodulin-Sepharose or monoclonal antibody coupled to Sepharose 4B yields stepwise increases in AC toxin potency, to a maximum of 88.3 mumol of cAMP/mg of target cell protein/mg of toxin. Electroelution of the 216-kDa band following sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis yields a preparation with both AC enzyme and toxin activities. These data indicate that this protein represents the AC holotoxin molecule.     

Distribution of antigenic determinants recognized by three monoclonal antibodies (Q2/70, Q5/6 and Q5/13) on human Ia-like alloantigens and on their subunits

The distribution of antigenic determinants recognized by the anti-Ia-like antigen monoclonal antibodies (MoAb) Q2/70, Q5/6 and Q5/13 on molecules coded for by the DR locus and by non-DR loci was investigated using a binding assay with 125I-labeled Ia-like antigens isolated from four B lymphoid cell lines. The determinants reacting with the MoAb Q2/70 and Q5/13 are expressed on all DR alloantigens tested and on BR4X7 specificities, while those reacting with the MoAb Q5/6 are not detectable on DRw7 and BR4X7 molecules. None of the monoclonal antibodies reacted with DC1 molecules. The MoAb Q5/6 and Q5/13 reacted with the isolated beta subunit of the Ia-like antigenic complex, while the MoAb Q2/70 did not react with the isolated chains.     

Functional association of class II antigens with cell surface binding of Epstein-Barr virus

A functional role of class II antigen in the binding of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) was deduced from the study of membrane proteins on Jijoye, an EBV receptor (EBVR)-positive B cell line, and its mutant, EBVR-negative daughter cell line, P3HR-1. From gel electrophoresis of radiolabeled microsomal membrane proteins and immunoprecipitates, we identified class II antigen on Jijoye but not on P3HR-1 cells and the presence of Ii on both cell lines. The role of these molecules in EBVR function was tested by antibody blocking of virus adsorption. Anti-p23,30 serum (to class II antigen) was found to block binding of EBV to B lymphoblasts under conditions in which normal rabbit serum, rabbit antiserum to butyrate-treated P3HR-1 cells (with ample anti-Ii antibodies), and rabbit anti-p44,12 (to class I antigen and beta 2-microglobulin) serum did not block virus binding. Only one of four commercial monoclonal antibodies (MoAb) to framework epitopes on class II antigens blocked binding of EBV, whereas all four MoAb demonstrated immunofluorescent reactivity with the EBVR+ Raji cells. In previous studies of binding of EBV to hairy leukemic cells, a substantial subpopulation of HLA-DR+, EBVR- cells was identified, in addition to HLA-DR+, EBVR+ cells. These findings were consistent with the view that the HLA-DR complex has a role in the binding of EBV but that other components are also needed for the expression of EBVR function.     

CR2 ligands modulate human B cell activation

A considerable body of evidence from this and other laboratories indicates that complement receptor type 2 (CR2) modulates B cell activation and growth. In the present studies we have examined the effects of three different types of CR2 ligands, i.e., monomeric, aggregated, and latex-bound C3dg; mAb to different CR2 epitopes; and UV-inactivated, non-transforming EBV (EBVUV) for their actions on highly purified, high density resting tonsil B cells. Although none of these ligands induced B cells to enter the cell cycle or synergized with either anti-mu or low m.w. B cell growth factor in triggering B cell mitogenesis, aggregated C3dg, latex-bound C3dg, the OKB7 anti-CR2 mAb, and EBVUV-enhanced thymidine incorporation by phorbol ester-activated tonsil B cells. Such enhancement was not T cell or monocyte dependent. The major action of the CR2 ligands thus seems to be to enhance the transition of B cells activated by certain stimuli from the G1 to the S phase of the cell cycle. In contrast to the action of aggregated and latex-bound C3dg, monomeric C3dg was inhibitory for phorbol ester and aggregated C3dg-induced B cell activation. The HB-5 anti-CR2 mAb, which reacts with a different epitope on CR2 from that of OKB7, did not synergize with PMA in B cell activation. These data provide additional evidence for a role for the CR2 in the control of B cell growth and provide a useful model for studying the CR2-mediated signals that affect the growth of B cells.     

Characterization of an immunoreactive 93-kDa core protein of Borrelia burgdorferi with a human IgG monoclonal antibody

Lyme borreliosis is an infectious disease caused by the tick-borne spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi, which carries the potential for chronic infection. Ag on the etiologic Borrelia are currently being defined structurally and their ability to elicit immune responses delineated. EBV can be used to immortalize human B. burgdorferi-specific B cells from infected donors and generate antibodies against antigenic epitopes encountered in natural infection. A human mAb secreting EBV-transformed B cell line, D7, has been developed that is specific for a 93-kDa B. burgdorferi protein and has been used to characterize this potentially important Ag. D7 produces an IgG3 antibody that detects the 93-kDa Ag as well as smaller fragments at 46 kDa and lower molecular mass. The antibody detects similar epitopes on all B. burgdorferi isolates tested and on a Borrelia hermsii protein with molecular mass greater than 100 kDa but binds poorly to Treponema species. In contrast, polyclonal sera from Lyme disease patients show little binding to the homologous Ag in B. hermsii. Structurally, the 93-kDa protein is associated with the flagellum and may be firmly anchored in the protoplasmic cylinder. It is not solubilized by nonionic detergent treatment of the whole Borrelia. Antibodies against a comparable m.w. protein are present in sera from patients with both early and late infection. Thus, antibodies against this Ag are a sensitive and specific marker of Borrelia infection. This Ag is likely of structural importance and may represent a target of host defenses.     

Mapping of distinct structural domains on microtubule-associated protein 2 by monoclonal antibodies

Monoclonal antibodies against microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2) were prepared and their specificity was verified by visualization of the antigens using the antibody overlay technique and by radioimmunoassay. MAP2 was cleaved by alpha-chymotrypsin to generate a series of high-molecular-mass fragments ranging between 270 and 140 kDa. The precursor-product relationship of these fragments was suggested from the rate of their appearance and from the analysis of the tryptic peptide map of each fragment. A group of monoclonal antibodies was found to react predominantly with the intact 270-kDa MAP2 molecule and a fragment having a mass of 240 kDa and to some extent with a 215-kDa fragment. Another group of monoclonal antibodies reacted with an antigenic determinant which was located on the 270-kDa molecule as well as on fragments as small as 140 kDa. None of the two groups of monoclonal antibodies reacted with the microtubule-binding domain of MAP2. These results suggest that one group of antibodies reacts with sites located at or dependent upon a terminal 60-kDa domain(s) distal to the microtubule-binding site of MAP2. The second group of antibodies, which can still bind to smaller proteolytic products, appear to be associated with the central region of the MAP2 molecule. Indirect immunofluorescence experiments with the antibody preparations indicated that at least some of the antigenic determinants are exposed when MAP2 is associated with microtubules in the cell body and neurite outgrowths of differentiated rat brain neuroblastoma B104 cells.     

Human lymphocyte differentiation antigens HB-10 and HB-11. I. Ontogeny of antigen expression

T, B, and NK cells appear to represent separate lymphocyte lineages, but indirect evidence suggests that they may be related via a common lymphoid precursor cell. We have produced two monoclonal antibodies, HB-10 (IgM) and HB-11 (IgG1), by fusing spleen cells from mice immunized with the human B cell line SB, and have shown that both antibodies react with lymphocyte-specific cell surface antigens present on T, B, and NK cells, but not on other types of blood cells. The antibodies were reactive with most cell lines and malignancies of B cell origin and with some of T and NK cell lineage. Although the populations of cells expressing these two antigens were virtually identical, the HB-10 and HB-11 antibodies identified separate protease-sensitive determinants on the cell surface. The HB-11 antigenic determinant was also sensitive to neuraminidase and periodate treatments, but the HB-10 determinant was not. Antigen expression by lymphocytes from fetal, newborn, and adult tissues was examined. Within the B cell lineage, these antigens were expressed by most pre-B cells in bone marrow (88% +/- 5) and almost all B cells, but were not expressed by mature plasma cells. Virtually all of the granular lymphocytes in blood marked by the Leu-7 and Leu-11 (anti-Fc receptor) antibodies were HB-10+ and 11+. Among T lineage cells, the HB-10 and 11 antigens were expressed by a subset of relatively mature T3+ thymocytes and by greater than 90% of the T cells in newborn blood. In adults, however, only 65% of blood T cells and 24 to 30% of splenic or tonsillar T cells expressed the HB-10 and HB-11 antigens. The postnatal emergence of T cells which, like plasma cells, do not express these antigens suggests that post-thymic T lymphocyte maturation occurs and may be an activation-dependent process.     

Identification of a group of novel membrane proteins unique to chemosensory cilia of olfactory receptor cells

We have used a library of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against chemosensory cilia of the olfactory epithelium of Rana catesbeiana to identify proteins that are unique to the ciliary membrane. Five different antibodies (mAb 8, 26, 34, 42/45, and 43) identify novel proteins in olfactory cilia that are not detected in olfactory nerve membranes, nonchemosensory cilia from respiratory epithelium, or membranes from brain, heart, liver, kidney, and lung. Deglycosylation of olfactory cilia with endoglycosidase H shows that most of these antibodies (mAb 8, 42/45, 43, and possibly 26) react with antigenic determinants comprised partially or entirely of carbohydrate, while only one (mAb 34) recognizes an 87-kDa protein that is resistant to endoglycosidase H treatment. Furthermore, a 59-kDa glycoprotein visualized by mAb 8 exists as membrane-associated oligomers connected via intermolecular disulfide bonds. These proteins, tagged with distinct high-mannose-containing carbohydrate moieties and found only in chemosensory cilia of olfactory receptor cells, may be involved in odorant recognition and/or olfactory transduction.     

EB病毒gp125蛋白的B细胞表位预测

目的预测EB病毒gp125蛋白的B细胞表位。方法基于EB病毒gp125蛋白的氨基酸序列,采用亲水性参数、可及性参数、极性参数和抗原性指数方案等,辅以对gp125蛋白的二级结构中的柔性区域的分析,预测gp125蛋白的B细胞表位。结果最有可能的B细胞表位位于gp125蛋白N端第403-416、565—574、578—584、618-630和832—843区段及其附近。结论用多参数预测EB病毒gp125蛋白的B细胞表位,为制备具有高灵敏度和高特异性的鼻咽癌诊断试剂及研究抗肿瘤转移靶向治疗的分子免疫学奠定基础。     

Production and characterization of monoclonal antibodies against the excretory-secretory antigen of the liver fluke (Opisthorchis viverrini).

Monoclonal antibodies (MoAb) were produced against a major soluble metabolic product (excretory-secretory, ES) of Opisthorchis viverrini. The latter was obtained in a form of spent culture medium in which the adult flukes had been maintained in vitro. The MoAb produced were exclusively associated with either IgG or IgM isotypes. When screened against a panel of parasite antigens by indirect ELISA, these MoAb exhibited three patterns of reactivity. Approximately 50% of the MoAb were highly specific for O. viverrini and another 25% cross-reacted only with Clonorchis sinensis. The remaining 25% cross-reacted extensively with other parasites. Results from radioimmunoprecipitation and immunoblotting experiments showed all MoAb to react with the 89-kDa glycoprotein. By indirect immunofluorescence, these MoAb reacted almost exclusively with the tegumental surface, tegumental cells, cecum and developing miracidium. Different lines of evidence suggest that these MoAb reacted with different epitopes on the same 89-kDa polypeptide carrier.     

Murine monoclonal antibodies directed to the human histo-blood group A transferase (UDP-GalNAc:Fuc alpha 1----2Gal alpha 1----3-N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase) and the presence therein of N-linked histo-blood group A determinant

Mouse MAbs (WKH-1 through -3) to the human histo-blood group A glycosyltransferase (Fuc alpha 1----2Gal alpha 1----3 galactosaminyltransferase) were established by immunization with the purified native A transferase protein. Hybridomas were selected on the basis of solid-phase reactivity with the purified native A transferase, cell immunofluorescence and immunoprecipitation of transferase activity, and absence of reactivity with blood group ABH carbohydrate determinants. Three MAbs, thus selected, were found most likely to react with the protein epitopes unrelated to carbohydrate epitopes of purified A transferase. The MAbs reacted with cells having high A transferase activity and immunoprecipitated the A transferase activity as well as the 40,000 MW iodinated transferase protein. The antibodies were shown, however, to immunoprecipitate and partially inhibit not only A1 and A2 but also B transferase activity from plasma and A transferase from human lung, and to react with B cells expressing B transferase, thus indicating a cross-reactivity with B transferase. In contrast, they showed no reactivity with various cells having the O phenotype and did not immunoprecipitate the A transferase from porcine submaxillary glands or the alpha 1----2fucosyltransferase from Colo205 cells. The purified A glycosyltransferase was found to carry blood group A carbohydrate determinants by immunochemical detection with a panel of anti-carbohydrate MAbs. These determinants are believed to be N-linked, since treatment of the purified A transferase with N-glycanase removed activity. Immunohistological studies of three epithelial tissues showed that the antibodies stained the Golgi area of cells in epithelia from A and B, but not O, individuals.     

EB病毒潜伏膜蛋白1的B细胞表位预测

目的 预测EB病毒潜伏膜蛋白1(Latent Membrane Protein 1,LMPl)的B细胞表位.方法 基于EB病毒基因组序列,采用DNAStar Lasergene软件包中的Protean软件,对LMP1的亲水性,表面可能性,抗原指数及其二级结构中的柔性区域进行分析,并结合吴玉章的抗原指数预测法预测其B细胞表位.结果 B细胞表位最有可能位于潜伏膜蛋白N端第356-358,2-19,249-314区段或其附近,而潜伏膜蛋白N端第185-223区段内或附近也可能存在B细胞表位.结论 用多参数预测EB病毒LMP1的B细胞表位,为鼻咽癌的筛查及抗肿瘤转移靶向治疗的分子免疫学研究奠定基础.     

Shift in S-layer protein expression responsible for antigenic variation in Campylobacter fetus.

Campylobacter fetus strains possess regular paracrystalline surface layers (S-layers) composed of high-molecular-weight proteins and can change the size and crystalline structure of the predominant protein expressed. Polyclonal antisera demonstrate antigenic cross-reactivity among these proteins but suggest differences in epitopes. Monoclonal antibodies to the 97-kDa S-layer protein of Campylobacter fetus subsp. fetus strain 82-40LP showed three different reactivities. Monoclonal antibody 1D1 recognized 97-kDa S-layer proteins from all C. fetus strains studied; reactivity of monoclonal antibody 6E4 was similar except for epitopes in S-layer proteins from reptile strains and strains with type B lipopolysaccharide. Monoclonal antibody 2E11 only recognized epitopes on S-layer proteins from strains with type A lipopolysaccharide regardless of size. In vitro shift from a 97-kDa S-layer protein to a 127-kDa S-layer protein resulted in different reactivity, indicating that size change was accompanied by antigenic variation. To examine in vivo variation, heifers were genetically challenged with Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis strains and the S-layer proteins from sequential isolates were characterized. Analysis with monoclonal antibodies showed that antigenic reactivities of the S-layer proteins were varied, indicating that these proteins represent a system for antigenic variation.     

Model for studying virus attachment: identification and quantitation of Epstein-Barr virus-binding cells by using biotinylated virus in flow cytometry.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) was purified and biotinylated without significant loss of its cell-transforming activity. The use of biotinylated virus in conjunction with antibodies specific for selected cell surface molecules and flow cytometric analysis allowed for the positive identification of the virus-binding lymphocytes among a heterogeneous mononuclear cell population. Biotinylated EBV efficiently bound to all B lymphocytes, including those bearing surface mu, delta, gamma, and alpha immunoglobulin heavy chains or the surface CD5 (Leu-1) marker, but not to T lymphocytes, natural killer cells, or monocytes. By using biotinylated EBV and specific monoclonal antibodies in competitive inhibition experiments, it was also found that the virus attaches to an epitope on the CR2 molecule (the receptor for C3d and EBV), which is close to or identical with the one recognized by OKB7 monoclonal antibody, and that cell surface structures other than CR2 cannot mediate attachment of EBV. Moreover, studies on the binding of the virus to induced B lymphocytes (cells in S through G2 phase), and this was associated with the disappearance of the surface CR2 molecule and the inability of the virus to attach to these cells. The approach described here should be useful in studying the attachment of other viruses, identifying the specific cell types involved, and analyzing the effect of the cell cycle on virus binding.     

Human lymphocyte differentiation antigens HB-10 and HB-11. II. Differential production of B cell growth and differentiation factors by distinct helper T cell subpopulations

Two monoclonal antibodies (HB-10 and HB-11), which react with human T, B, and NK cells, identify approximately 50% of the Leu-3+ T helper (TH) cells in adult blood. In the present studies, the functional capabilities of the HB-11+ and HB-11-TH cell subpopulations were examined after purification by fluorescence-activated cell sorting. Both subpopulations proliferated in response to PHA, Con A, PWM, and OKT-3 antibodies. The HB-11+ TH cells gave a minimal proliferative response to soluble tetanus toxoid antigen, whereas HB-11-TH cells responded well. After mitogen activation, both HB-11+ and HB-11-TH cells and to produce soluble factors which induce large B cells to proliferate. However, PWM-stimulated HB-11+TH cells were incapable of inducing B cells to differentiate into antibody-secreting plasma cells, whereas HB-11-TH cells were efficient in this regard. The results suggest that the HB-11 antigen is expressed on a subpopulation of virgin TH cells that can produce B cell growth factors but are deficient in the ability to produce B cell differentiation factors.     

Monoclonal antibodies to three phospholipase C isozymes from bovine brain

Murine hybridoma cell lines secreting antibodies against the three bovine isozymes of phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C (PLC) were established: 6, 23, and 12 lines were obtained for PLC-I (150 kDa), PLC-II (145 kDa), and PLC-III (85 kDa), respectively. The antibodies were purified from ascites fluid, and their properties were studied in detail. All the antibodies cross-reacted with their corresponding PLC enzymes, but not with the other two isozymes, suggesting that the three enzymes contain very different antigenic determinants. The six antibodies elicited by bovine PLC-I also cross-reacted with human and rat enzyme, whereas three each from anti-PLC-II antibodies and anti-PLC-III antibodies did not react with the enzymes from different species. Each antibody exerts different effects on the phosphatidylinositol-hydrolyzing activity of PLC. The most inhibitory antibody for either isozyme PLC-I or PLC-II exhibits 80% inhibition, whereas no more than 20% inhibition was observed for the anti-PLC-III antibodies. Purified PLC-I frequently contains catalytically active 140- and 100-kDa forms and an inactive 41-kDa protein in addition to the intact 150-kDa form, probably due to its high sensitivity to an unidentified endogenous protease. The five anti-PLC-I antibodies which bind to the denatured 150-kDa polypeptide also recognized the 140-kDa form, whereas only three cross-reacted with the 100-kDa form, and the remaining two bound to the 41-kDa protein. Competitive binding studies with intact PLC enzymes and Western blot experiments with proteolytic digests revealed that the 6 anti-PLC-I, 23 anti-PLC-II, and 12 anti-PLC-III antibodies bind at least five, six, and seven different epitopes on PLC-I, PLC-II, and PLC-III, respectively. The fact that these monoclonal antibodies bind to different epitopes on the same enzyme allowed one to develop a highly specific and sensitive tandem radioimmunoassay for quantitating PLC-I, PLC-II, and PLC-III. The principle of the assay is that binding of an 125I-labeled antibody to the antigen immobilized by another antibody at a distinctive binding site is proportional to the amount of antigen present. By using this method, PLC-I, PLC-II, and PLC-III could be measured quantitatively in the presence of other proteins, detergents, lipids, polyanions, and metal ions, all of which greatly affect the activity of PLC enzymes.