Preparation of a neutralizing monoclonal antibody specific to serotype 8 rotavirus strains with a super-short RNA pattern

Extensive cross-neutralization tests have identified seven serotypes of rotavirus. Recently, it has been reported that several human strains (69M, B37 and B38) with a super-short RNA pattern carry new serotype specificity (serotype 8). By using the strain 69M as an immunizing antigen, we prepared a neutralizing monoclonal antibody (designated 69M-2D). In neutralization tests using 18 human and two animal rotavirus strains with different serotype specificities, the 69M-2D antibody was found to neutralize only serotype 8 strains. Also, in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), the antibody reacted exclusively with the serotype 8 strains. Thus, the reactivity pattern of the 69M-2D antibody was serotype 8-specific. This antibody should be useful as another reagent for serotyping rotaviruses by ELISA.