Abstract: Objective To prepare monoclonal antibodies specific to lactate dehydrogenase of Plasmodiun falciparum. Methods The Plasmodium falciparum lactate dehydrogenase (pLDH) gene was amplified from whole blood of malaria patients by PCR and cloned into expression vector pGEX-3X. Recombinant pLDH protein was expressed and purified, and used for immunizing mice to prepare monoclonal antibodies (McAbs). The McAbs were characterized by Western blotting analysis. Results The Plasmodium falciparum lactate dehydrogenase gene was amplified and cloned into expression vector pGEX-3X. The recombinant pLDH plasmid was expressed in E.coli) BL-21 cells. 15 cell lines of McAbs with high titer against pLDH were obtained using the recombinant pLDH as immunogen. Western blotting analysis showed that these McAbs recognized a Mr 33 000 of native Plasmodiun falciparum protein without cross-reaction with constituents of red blood cell of febrile patients from endemic area of malaria. Conclusion Fifteen hybridoma cell lines secreting high titer of McAb specific to Plasmodium falciparum LDH were established based on the recombinant pLDH.

Key words: Plasmodium falciparum, Lactate dehydrogenase, Monoclonal antibodies