Development and characterization of a monoclonal antibody against porcine CD205

The aim of this work was to develop mAbs against porcine CD205 and to conduct a comparative analysis of the CD205 protein expression on lymphoid tissues, monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DCs) and DCs isolated from the porcine skin. To conduct this study, we generated a monoclonal antibody, designated 1.F6F6, against the C-type lectin-like domain-5 of the porcine CD205 and showed that it recognizes a protein band of ∼200 kDa by Western Blot analysis in mesenteric lymph nodes cells. Flow cytometric analysis showed that the mAb 1.F6F6 recognized 28.5%, 28.1% and 34.1% of cells from tonsil, inguinal and mesenteric lymph nodes, respectively, and 6% of cells from thymus. Analysis of monocyte-derived DCs showed that approximately 20% were positive and activation of the cells with LPS increased the positive population to 36%. Analysis of DCs isolated from the porcine skin showed that approximately 70% of the cell population expressed the CD205 receptor. The development of a monoclonal antibody capable of recognizing the CD205 receptor in swine opens up possibilities of applying new strategies for enhancing vaccine efficacy by using the anti-CD205 antibody for DC antigen-targeting to enhance priming of immune responses.