Murine monoclonal antibodies recognizing a non-capsular antigen that distinguishes between Cryptococcus neoformans var. neoformans and C. neoformans var. gattii

Abstract

<p>A panel of 4 monoclonal antibodies (mabs) of the IgGl-subclass have been made against a cytoplasmic antigen of <i>Ctyptococcus neofonnans</i>. Mab 4E2 recognized isolates of <i>C. neofmns</i> var. gatti by enzymelinked immunosorbent assav (ELISA). whilst the other antibodies did not recognize these-antigens. By Western blot 4E2 recognized determinants at llO125, 65-70. 45-50 and 36-38 kDa. Mabs 9E6. 7C7 and-5D9 recognized bands at 36-38 and approximateIv 30 kDa. All 4 mabs (4E2. 9E6. 7C7 and 5D9) recognized both non-encapsulated and encapsulated isolates of C. neoformans var. neofmns by ELISA, and in addition showed reactivity to only the cytoplasm and cell membrane of yeasts by immunofluorescence. Mab 7C7 recognized antigens of the closely related fungus <i>Trichosporon beigelii</i> by ELISA but did not recognize any other fungal antigens. The other 3 mabs showed no recognition of <i>T. beigelii</i> or any other fungal pathogens tested.</p>