Structural and functional definition of the human chitinase chitin-binding domain.

Mammalian chitinase, a chitinolytic enzyme expressed by macrophages, has been detected in atherosclerotic plaques and is elevated in blood and tissues of guinea pigs infected with Aspergillus. Its normal physiological function is unknown. To understand how the enzyme interacts with its substrate, we have characterized the chitin-binding domain.

Legionella micdadei and Legionella dumoffii monoclonal antibodies for laboratory diagnosis of Legionella infections.

Two different monoclonal antibodies directed against Legionella micdadei and L. dumoffii (Genetic Systems Corp., Seattle, Wash.

Monoclonal antibodies to gp110 and gp41 of human immunodeficiency virus.

Six mouse hybridomas secreting monoclonal antibodies specific for the glycoproteins of human immunodeficiency virus were developed. All six antibodies reacted by radioimmunoprecipitation with the glycoprotein precursor of 150,000 daltons as well as one of the proteolytic processing products of 110,000 daltons (gp110) or 41,000 daltons (gp41). Recombinant polypeptides spanning the env coding region were used to locate epitopes on the glycoprotein molecule.

Identification of a species-specific antigen in Legionella pneumophila by a monoclonal antibody.

A species-specific antigen in Legionella pneumophila was identified by a monoclonal antibody in enzyme-linked immunosorbent and immunofluorescence assays of serogroups 1 through 8. The species-specific antigen was heat stable, and the molecular weight of the major band was 29,000 by immunoblot analysis. In direct immunofluorescence assays, the antigen was cryptic or only partly exposed on the surface of the cells but was effectively exposed by treating the cells with detergent and EDTA.

Thermal inactivation of infectious hematopoietic necrosis and infectious pancreatic necrosis viruses.

A plaque assay was used to follow the inactivation kinetics of infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus and infectious pancreatic necrosis virus in cell culture media at various temperatures. Inactivation of infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus in a visceral organ slurry was compared with that in culture media.