Preparation and characterization of monoclonal antibodies against neoplastic hemocytes of Mytilus edulis

A4ytdus edulis develop progressive and fatal hemocyhc neoplasia. We have generated monoclonal antibodies using neoplastic hernocytes from highly infected individuals collected from Puget Sound in Washington State (USA). Twenty-seven monoclonal antibodies against neoplashc cell antigens were obtaned. Specificity of 2 purified antibodies, 14F1 and 16G10, was demonstrated by immunofluorescence when incubated with neoplastic hemocytes, whereas these antibodies did not react with normal cells. This specificity was confirmed by immunogold labelling and electron nucroscopic visualiza~on. The technique permitted localization of the epitopes recognized by the monoclonal antibodies on the plasma membrane. These monoclonal antibodies are suitable reagents for establishment of immunoassays for diagnosis and quantification of hemic neoplasia in the mussel.