Background: It is usually difficult to differentiate between the pollens of different grass species on the basis of their appearance under a microscope, as they often appear similar. Such distinctions are important when interpreting the clinical relevance of pollens in air samples as individuals can differ in their allergic responses to different grass species. As this allergenic distinction occurs at the level of presence and differences of epitopes on the allergens associated with different species, it could be anticipated that species–specific monoclonal antibodies could provide such distinctions between pollens. Method: Monoclonal antibodies raised against Cynodon dactylon were screened and characterised in ELISA assays and blotting, using a range of grass pollen extracts, to identify clones which were species specific. Results: The most specific monoclonal raised to C. dactylon did not react at a level of greater than 1.2% to extracts of 10 other grass pollens in a direct ELISA assay and showed no detectable cross–reactivity in a particle blotting assay. Conclusion: It has been possible to produce a monoclonal antibody that is functionally species specific to C. dactylon.

Keywords:
Grass pollen, Monoclonal antibodies, Species specificity
This content is only available via PDF.
1999
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.