Bovine major histocompatibility complex class I specific monoclonal antibodies characterized by flow cytometry, one- and two-dimensional electrophoresis, western blot and inhibition of cytotoxic T lymphocyte function.

To identify and characterize the bovine major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules, a panel of 11 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) were analyzed. The mAbs reacted with bovine MHC class I antigens, as assessed by flow cytometry and immunoprecipitation followed by one- and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Analysis by flow cytometry revealed that class I molecules were expressed less on a class I mutant B-lymphoblastoid cell line than on the parent cell line. The relative molecular weights of the proteins identified by these mAbs were similar to those reported previously for cattle and humans. Nonequilibrium pH gradient two-dimensional gel electrophoresis showed that RH16C recognized four different class I gene products, indicating this mAb reacts with a conserved epitope present on different class I molecules. These mAbs effectively blocked cytotoxic T lymphocyte killing of allogeneic lymphoblasts, suggesting the functional importance of beta-2m in this process. These mAbs should be useful reagents for studying bovine MHC class I molecules.