Production and characterization of yeast killer toxin monoclonal antibodies

Monoclonal antibodies were obtained after fusion of mouse myeloma cells with spleen cells isolated from mice primed with a crude extract of yeast killer toxin produced by a strain of Hansenula anomala. Hybridomas were selected by specific immunoassay reaction of their fluid with crude yeast killer toxin extract. Among the monoclonal antibodies, which were characterized by the Western blot technique, one (designated KT4) proved to have precipitating properties, thus permitting the neutralization of the killer activity of the toxin. Experiments in double immunodiffusion showed that monoclonal antibody KT4 produced homologous precipitin bands by reacting with either the crude toxin used as immunogen or a toxic extract of Hansenula mrakii. It is suggested that these monoclonal antibodies will be useful for the purification, characterization, and understanding of the bioactions of yeast killer toxins.