[Use of polyclonal antibodies from egg yolk of immunised chickens (minireview)] [Article in German]

Abstract

Using polycolonal antiboides from the egg yolk of immunized chickens antibodies are a versatile and sensitive tool for the detection, characterization , quantitation and localization of biomolecules. They are widely used for the diagnosis of human and animal diseases. Polyclonal antibodies are typically isolated from the blood of immunized mammals. In contrast, the isolation of chicken antibodies from the egg yolk of immunized chickens is less well known. In this short review, we outline the method for producing polyclonal egg yolk antibodies and discuss the advantages of this approach also in the view of the gentler treatment of the hens compared to the production of antibodies from mammals. Finally, the potential use of egg yolk antibodies in basic research, diagnosis, prophylaxis and therapy is presented.