High affinity human monoclonal antibodies directed against hepatitis B surface antigen.

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from donors immunized with hepatitis B vaccine (Pasteur Hevac B) were transformed with Epstein-Barr virus. Two polyclonal cell lines, producing antibodies to hepatitis B surface antigen were established and cloned. Seven clones were isolated; they secreted between 10 and 20 micrograms/ml of HBs specific IgG1 kappa or lambda antibody with anti-HBs titer of 300-800 IU/ml.

Establishment of human cell lines producing anti-D monoclonal antibodies: identification of Rhesus D antigen.

Two cell lines producing monoclonal antibodies have been established from peripheral blood of a negative Rhesus blood donor which has been immunized with positive Rhesus red blood cells. Two monoclonal antibodies Co II 8.8 and Co II 7.

Epstein-Barr virus-transformed lymphocytes from patients with bullous diseases produce autoantibodies to cytokeratins.

Human cell lines obtained after Epstein-Barr virus transformation of lymphocytes from seven patients with bullous diseases (Bullous pemphigoid, Pemphigus) and five controls were screened for the production of autoantibodies against skin antigens. In five out of seven patients, the culture supernatants tested by indirect immunofluorescence on frozen sections of normal human skin and rabbit lip showed the production of autoantibodies with different specificities: basal epidermal cells, whole epidermis, Merkel cells, fibroblasts endothelial cells, etc. All autoantibodies were of IgM class and reacted with intracellular structures.

[Production of human monoclonal antibodies against various antigens of erythrocyte stages of Plasmodium falciparum].

Peripheral blood lymphocytes from 20 individuals living in a malaria endemic area (Burkina Faso) were transformed with Epstein-Barr virus. No antigen specific selection, nor stimulation of B-cells were performed prior to transformation. 20 cell lines were established, 14 secreted polyclonal antibodies directed against erythrocytic stages of Plasmodium falciparum.

The effectiveness of sensory stimulation for geropsychiatric inpatients.

The objectives of this study were (a) to explore the effectiveness of sensory stimulation therapy under controlled conditions, and (b) to ascertain the short-term effectiveness after treatment ceased. Thirty geropsychiatric patients were divided into three treatment condition groups: sensory stimulation, staff attention, and standard hospital treatment. Twenty-seven subjects completed the 12 weeks of treatment and 6 weeks of follow-up.