Preparation and characterisation of monoclonal antibodies against the N protein of the SHpd/2012 strain of porcine epidemic diarrhoea virus

Abstract

Porcine epidemic diarrhoea is caused by the porcine epidemic diarrhoea virus, and is a highly contagious disease which affects the intestines of new-born piglets resulting in intense diarrhoea. Historically, the virus has caused enormous economic losses in the pig industry. In particular, the emergence of new epidemic strains means there is a pressing need for prevention and control of the disease. Owing to the specificity of the monoclonal antibodies now available, study of the pathogenesis, immune mechanisms and new diagnostic methods can be performed. In this study, 13 strains of positive hybridoma cells were prepared by immunising mice with purified whole porcine epidemic diarrhoea virus, and analysis was performed using ELISA and Western blotting. Three cell strains specifically recognised the porcine epidemic diarrhoea virus nucleocapsid protein (N protein). In this study, we report the characterisation of effective tools for the establishment of porcine epidemic diarrhoea virus diagnostic methods and we have specifically generated primary antibodies for ELISA, IFA, test strip and Western blotting.