A monoclonal antibody directed against the head region of vimentin

The production and identification of a monoclonal antibody directed against an epitope in the aminoterminal head region of vimentin is described. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, protein blotting and indirect immunofluorescence were used. The wide range of cross-reactivity within cytoskeletal proteins observed for this antibody gives evidence for a determinant in an evolutionarily conserved region. Computer comparison of aminoacid sequences of the immunoreactive proteins and biochemical cleavage of vimentin provide possible clues to some antigenic determinants.