Production of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against white spot syndrome virus (WSSV)

Nine hybridoma clones secreting monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) were produced from mouse myeloma and spleen cells immunized with white spot syndrome virus (WSSV), an important pathogen of cultured penaeid shrimp in Asia since 1993. An indirect immunofluorescence assay was standardized to evaluate the usefulness of the MAbs for rapid diagnostic techniques to identify WSSV and for further study of this virus. Isotyping revealed that the MAbs were of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) class, all with kappa light chains. Four MAbs were examined by using immune electron microscopy and colloidal gold as a marker. Three MAbs recognized epitopes on the envelope of the virus and one MAb recognized an epitope on the capsid. The specificity of the MAbs to WSSV was determined by a lack of reactivity with tissue containing a second penaeid shrimp agent, the baculoviral mid-gut gland necrosis virus.