ABSTRACT
Cloned hybrid cells produce individual monoclonal antibodies in a continuous and virtually endless supply. Examination of more than 1000 monoclonal antibodies against the microorganisms revealed a remarkable diversity in the repertoire of antigens recognized by the mouse. In addition to their utility in culture systems, the monoclonal antibodies provided sufficient specificity to enable diagnosis and typing of herpes simplex virus (HSV) directly on primary clinical specimens. The monoclonal antibodies detected HSV antigens in six clinically suspect specimens from which the culture method did not reveal infectious virus. The monoclonal antibodies did not detect HSV antigens in any of the 43 specimens obtained from the control population. Individual monoclonal antibodies react with only a single antigenic determinant and thus provide a degree of specificity far greater than that of conventionally prepared antibodies. Most monoclonal antibodies can be produced on a large scale by passage of hybridomas in mice.
