Monoclonal antibody production by ebv transformation of b cells

Abstract

A method for producing a clone of an immortalised human B memory lymphocyte, comprising the step of transforming human B memory lymphocytes using Epstein Barr virus (EBV) in the presence of a polyclonal B cell activator. The method is particularly useful in a method for producing a clone of an immortalised human B memory lymphocyte capable of producing a human monoclonal antibody with a desired antigen specificity, comprising the steps of: (i) selecting and isolating a human memory B lymphocyte subpopulation; (ii) transforming the subpopulation with Epstein Barr virus (EBV) in the presence of a polyclonal B cell activator; (iii) screening the culture supernatant for antigen specificity; and (iv) isolating an immortalised human B memory lymphocyte clone capable of producing a human monoclonal antibody having the desired antigen specificity.

1 . A method for producing an anti-RSV monoclonal antibody comprising:
 (i) contacting a memory B lymphocyte with EBV and an agonist of a Pattern Recognition Receptor that is expressed on memory B cells;   (ii) culturing said memory B lymphocyte to produce a monoclonal antibody,   wherein said monoclonal antibody is directed against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising the step of isolating said monoclonal antibody.