ABSTRACT
Collagen type-specific antibodies as well as antibodies to particular portions of the native or denatured molecule have provided extremely useful tools, particularly for studies related to biological questions. The most complete information on the reactivity of collagen-specific antibodies with intact molecules, a-chain components, or smaller fragments is available for Type I collagen from various animal sources. Collagen in general is a weak immunogen requiring larger amounts and multiple injections of antigen to obtain reasonable quantities of antibodies. An important consideration is the form in which collagen antigens are used to coat the cells. A number of serological assays have been adapted specifically to the immunochemical study of the collagens. Specific immunoadsorption procedures are crucial for the purification of collagen antibodies with defined specificity due to the generally weak nature of collagen antigens as immunogens. This chapter deals with the preparation of type-specific antibodies by conventional procedures.
