Generation and Characterization of Monoclonal Antibodies against Human Interferon-lambda1

Abstract

Background:Members belonging to the interferon-lambda (IFN-?) family exert protective action against viral infection; however, the mechanisms of their action have remained elusive. To study IFN-? biology, such as endocytosis of IFN-?, we produced monoclonal antibodies (Abs) against human IFN-? and examined their usefulness.

Methods:We purified recombinant human IFN-?1 expressed in Escherichia coli by using affinity columns. Then, we generated hybridoma cells by fusing myeloma cells with splenocytes from IFN-?1- immunized mice. For evaluating the neutralizing activity of the monoclonal Abs against IFN-?1, we performed RT-PCR for the MxA transcript. In order to study the binding activity of IFN-? and the monoclonal Ab complex on HepG2 cells, we labeled the monoclonal Ab with rhodamine and determined the fluorescence intensity.

Results:Four hybridoma clones secreting Abs specific to IFN-?1 were generated and designated as HL1, HL2, HL3, and HL4. All the Abs reacted with IFN-?1 in the denatured form as well as in the native form. Abs produced by HL1, HL3, and HL4 did not neutralize the induction of the MxA gene by IFN-?1. We also demonstrated the binding of the HL1 monoclonal anbitody and IFN-? complex on HepG2 cells.

Conclusion:Monoclonal Abs against IFN-?1 were produced. These Abs can be used to study the cellular binding and internalization of IFN-?.