[Preparation and identification of egg yolk antibodies against HLA-A* 0201 heavy chain].

OBJECTIVE: To prepare a high-titer specific and efficient egg yolk immunoglobulin (IgY).

METHODS: The antigen of HLA-A* 0201 heavy chain was used to immunize the hens together with Freud's adjuvant and the eggs these hens laid were collected. IgY was purified from the egg yolk by water extraction, salt precipitation with ammonium sulfate and dialysis. The immunoactivity of the IgY was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and its purity was determined by SDS-PAGE.

RESULTS: The titer of IgY was 1 10(6) as shown by ELISA, with protein concentration of 9.77 mg/ml. The purity of the resultant IgY was more than 90% as suggested by SDS-PAGE analysis.

CONCLUSIONS: The antigen of HLA-A* 0201 heavy chain along with complete Freund adjuvant is effective to elicit an immune response of hens for producing IgY antibodies in high yields.