Preparation of human–mouse heterohybridomas against an immunising antigen

The production of murine monoclonal antibodies against specific antigens by hybridomas is a well utilised technique. The production of hybridomas secreting specific human antibodies would have many advantages in therapeutic applications of monoclonal antibodies. The immortalised human lymphocytes themselves would also provide valuable tools in research on lymphocyte development. Preparation of human–human hybridomas has been limited by a lack of suitable fusion partners. This protocol paper describes the production of human–mouse heterohybridomas by two independent laboratories. The purpose of this protocol is to provide a basis for the development of heterohybridoma technology in laboratories with limited hybridoma experience.