Hybridoma antibodies to insoluble antigens of the corneal epithelium.

Human corneal epithelial water insoluble proteins were used to immunize mice. Immune splenocytes were fused with Sp 2/0-Ag14 mouse myeloma cells by 40% PEG. Hybridoma antibodies obtained by somatic cell fusion were tested by radioimmunoassay. Supernatants from antibody positive hybrid colonies were used in immunofluorescence and crossreaction assays to locate and characterize corneal epithelial antigens. At least three distinct epithelial cell antigens were detected, one of which cross-reacts with rabbit corneal epithelial cells.