Antigens of murine melanoma and their cross-species reactivity

Many investigators have taken a two-stage approach to the study of tumor antigens. The first is the evaluation of antigens produced by animal tumors and the second is the determination of the extent to which animal antigens have relevant human homologs. Accordingly, we discuss the known protein antigens of murine melanoma with emphasis on those expressed by more than one species. These include six mouse-specific and five cross-species antigens, and 1 human antigen transfected into mouse cells. Of the five cross-species antigens, B700 and HMW have been demonstrated in four different species, making them candidate 'pan-melanoma' antigens.