Physiological responses of hybridoma cells in a protein‐free medium to soluble and immobilized antigen

This study examined the effect of antigen in a protein free medium on cell growth and monoclonal antibody production by a hybridoma line. Antigen immobilized on a Sepharose gel matrix via a bovine γ‐globulin carrier protein was used to stimulate the cell cultures in T‐flasks. In comparison to antigen‐free culture, total antibody production during was increased up to 40%, while slower cell growth rates were observed. The specific antibody production during the stationary culture phase was 40% to 80% higher in the presence of immobilized antigen. The surface density of antigen on the Sepharose beads had a strong influence on the physiological response of the hybridomas. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.