title: Monoclonal antibodies identify four distinct annelid leukocyte markers.
abstract: This paper describes for the first time the production and characterization of a library of monoclonal antibodies (anti-EFCC clones) raised against coelomocyte (leukocyte) markers of Eisenia fetida earthworm. Leukocyte subgroups are components of earthworm innate immunity that require a more precise characterization using immunological markers. Flow cytometry, immunocytochemistry, and immunoprecipitation analyzed and confirmed the specificity of anti-EFCC clones. Anti-EFCC mAbs revealed different leukocyte subpopulations and various staining patterns on tissues. Two functional assays (e.g. phagocytosis and encapsulation) further characterized EFCC clusters revealing a common coelomocyte marker and three subpopulation-specific markers. No crossreactivity was found on human, mouse, rat or cells from Drosophila melanogaster but immunoreactivity was detected on snail (Planorbarius corneus) tissues. Immunohistochemical results suggest mesodermal origin of all coelomocyte subgroups that agree with classical morphological analyses.
authors.affiliation: Department of Immunology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Pécs, H-7643, Pécs, Szigeti u.12, Hungary. peter.engelmann@aok.pte.hu
authors.forename: Péter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Engelmann
authors.forename: László
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Pálinkás
authors.forename: Edwin L
authors.initials: EL
authors.lastname: Cooper
authors.forename: Péter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Németh
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D015415:Biomarkers; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007962:Leukocytes / Q000378:metabolism*; D009835:Oligochaeta / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D015415:Biomarkers