ABSTRACT
The introduction of the hybridoma monoclonal antibody technique by Kohler and Milstein in 1975 has resulted in dramatic changes in immunology. Distinct functional populations of lymphocytes in the mouse identified by alloantisera have also been detected by monoclonal antibodies. Similar T cell populations in humans, have also been identified using monoclonal antibodies. One of the first antibodies identifying a functional population of human lymphocytes was produced against human lymphocytes. The lymphocyte surface membrane consists of a number of protein, glycoprotein, lipoprotein, and carbohydrate moieties floating in a lipid bilayer. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystem disease in which there are various autoantibodies suggesting overactive B cells. Technology now available has also greatly facilitated the characterization of the lymphocyte populations to which the monoclonal antibody is directed. A monoclonal antibody raised to murine teratocarcinomas, was labelled with I. A monoclonal rat antibody precipitated a complex of two proteins of 30,000 and 35,000 mol wt under reducing conditions.
