CHARACTERIZATION OF THE TARGET ANTIGENS OF PHYTOMONAS-SPECIFIC MONOCLONAL-ANTIBODIES

Seven Phytomonas-specific monoclonal antibodies produced against Phytomonas serpens and Phytomonas francai were further characterized in order to identify and localize their target antigens. Four monoclonal antibodies recognized carbohydrate surface epitopes, in three of the cases associated with surface glycoproteins with apparent molecular weight of 80 kDa. One monoclonal antibody apparently bound to a surface/internal protein epitope, whereas the two others recognized intra-cellular proteins. The cell surface epitopes recognized by monoclonal antibodies were detected specifically in the genus Phytomonas. These epitopes, which are detected in culture, plant and insect forms, may be useful as targets for Phytomonas identification.