A hybridoma from an autoimmune NZB/NZW mouse producing monoclonal antibody to ribosomal-RNA.

Spleen cells from an unimmunized autoimmune NZB/NZW F1 female mouse were fused to the BALB/c MPC-11 drug-resistant clone 45.6 TG 1.7. One hybrid clone (D4) produced IgG-3 immunoglobulin that bound ribosomal RNA. A high concentration of this antibody was produced in the ascitic fluid of NZB/NZW male mice. DNA, tRNA, and synthetic single- and double-stranded polynucleotides could not bind significantly to the antibody. A Scatchard analysis showed that the rRNA-binding immunoglobulin is monoclonal and has a high affinity (10(9) liter/mole) for the RNA antigen.