Production of monoclonal antibodies to Legionella pneumophila serogroups 1 and 6

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Abstract
To better define the surface antigens of L. pneumophila for clinical and experimental purposes, monoclonal antibodies were produced to L. pneumophila serogroups 1 and 6. Two hybridomas were produced in serogroup 1. One antibody, LP-I-17, recognized a serogroup-common antigen. The 2nd antibody, LP-I-81, was specific for serogroup 1. This antibody agglutinated bacterial cells belonging to the serogroup 1 reference strains, Philadelphia and Knoxville. Microagglutination assays of environmental and clinical isolates revealed a subgroup of serogroup 1 environmental isolates which were not agglutinated by LP-I-81. This subset of isolates was segregated to certain buildings in the medical complex. Immunodiffusion studies showed identity between the LP-I-81 antigen and the serogroup-specific antigen of serogroup 1 organisms. This antigen was absorbed out of the serogroup 1 organism extract with LP-I-81-coated Staphylococcus aureus, leaving the serogroup-common antigens. Three hybridomas were produced to serogroup 6. All produced antibodies which were serogroup 6 specific and agglutinated serogroup 6 bacteria.