| Abstract: | Methodologies are described for the production and characterization of monoclonal antibodies to human haemoglobin. Three monoclonal antibodies are described, two of which recognize distinct determinants on the alpha-chain subunit. A third monoclonal antibody, Hb-2d, recognizes a determinant expressed on human beta-chain. The Hb-2d determinant is shared by human and baboon haemoglobins, but is not expressed by haemoglobins from beef, goose, pig, rabbit, sheep, dog, rat or mouse. Monoclonal antibody Hb-2d will bind to haemoglobin A2 but not to foetal haemoglobin suggesting that delta-but not gamma-chain also expresses the Hb-2d determinant. The results of testing a limited panel of human haemoglobin variants is presented. |
