Production and characterisation of a monoclonal antibody (Cx-99) against cervical carcinoma

An IgGl monoclonal antibody (MAb Cx-99) has been established which recognises a surface antigen on epithelial cells, but not on fibroblastic or hematopoietic cells. Immunohistochemical studies showed that this antigen was present in all 37 squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) including 33 cervical SCC, and 30 of the 32 adenocarcinomas examined; most of the 33 cervical SCC were stained extensively. It was also detected in the culture medium of cervical cancer cell lines. In the normal cervix, this antigen was restricted to the undifferentiated basal cells. This observation suggests that the widespread expression of the antigen was triggered by oncogenesis. The MAb Cx-99 recognised an epitope on an asialyted glycoprotein which has an apparent molecular weight of 37 kilodaltons (kD) (and 2 minor proteins at 18 and 27 kD) and an isoelectric point (pi) of 5.3. It may have potential for studies on differentiation and oncogenesis and for diagnostic applications.