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A monoclonal antibody against nerve growth factor receptor. Immunohistochemical analysis of normal and neoplastic
S J Thompson1, G C Schatteman, A M Gown
1Department of Physiology, University of Washington, Seattle 98195.
Abstract:
The expression of human nerve growth factor (NGF) receptor in tumors and normal tissue was investigated with the use of a monoclonal antibody recently developed against that protein. This antibody, NGFR5, reacted strongly with 100% of 25 nerve sheath tumors. Eight of nine pheochromocytomas and three of three paragangliomas also had positive results, but the immunoreactivity was restricted to the sustentacular cell population. Within cells of melanocytic lineage, there was no immunostaining of melanocytes in normal epidermis, whereas 13 of 14 benign nevi had positive results, primarily involving spindled nevocytic structures within the dermis. NGF receptor was scarcely expressed in human melanoma; 9 of 19 melanomas had positive results, but immunoreactivity was generally restricted to rare cells within the larger tumor cell population. Among nonneurogenic mesenchymal tumors, results were generally negative: 0 of 5 chondrosarcomas, 0 of 6 malignant fibrous histiocytomas, 0 of 3 meningiomas, and 1 of 8 leiomyosarcomas were immunoreactive. Carcinomas were variable in immunoreactivity: 12 of 16 squamous cell carcinomas had positive results, whereas adenocarcinomas demonstrated focal, basal epithelial immunoreactivity and neuroendocrine tumors generally had negative results. Among normal tissues, in addition to expected neural immunostaining, NGFR 5 reacted positively with several nonneural cell types, including lymphoidal follicular dendritic cells, myoepithelial cells, vascular adventitia, and basal epithelium of oral mucosa and hair follicles. Antibodies to NGF receptor may play a role in the identification of benign and malignant soft tissue lesions.
Insights
A new antibody (NGFR5) effectively detected the nerve growth factor (NGF) receptor in various tumors, including nerve sheath tumors and benign nevi. This receptor
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunohistochemistry
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- The nerve growth factor (NGF) receptor plays a role in neural development and function.
- Understanding NGF receptor expression in various human tissues is crucial for diagnosing and classifying tumors.
- Recent development of a specific monoclonal antibody (NGFR5) allows for detailed investigation of NGF receptor distribution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression of the human nerve growth factor (NGF) receptor in a wide range of tumors and normal tissues.
- To evaluate the utility of the NGFR5 monoclonal antibody in identifying neoplastic and non-neoplastic cells.
- To determine the diagnostic potential of NGF receptor as a biomarker in soft tissue lesions.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a newly developed monoclonal antibody, NGFR5, for immunohistochemical analysis.
- Examined tissue samples from 25 nerve sheath tumors, 9 pheochromocytomas, 3 paragangliomas, 14 benign nevi, 19 melanomas, and various non-neurogenic mesenchymal tumors and carcinomas.
- Assessed NGF receptor expression in normal tissues, including epidermis, oral mucosa, and hair follicles.
Main Results:
- NGFR5 strongly reacted with 100% of nerve sheath tumors and showed positive results in pheochromocytomas, paragangliomas, and benign nevi.
- NGF receptor expression was scarce in melanomas, with positive results in only 9 of 19 cases, often restricted to rare cells.
- Variable immunoreactivity was observed in carcinomas, with positive results in squamous cell carcinomas but generally negative results in neuroendocrine tumors. Normal tissues also showed specific non-neural cell expression.
Conclusions:
- The NGFR5 antibody is a valuable tool for identifying the nerve growth factor (NGF) receptor in various tumors, particularly nerve sheath tumors and benign nevi.
- NGF receptor expression patterns can help differentiate between tumor types and normal tissues, suggesting its potential as a diagnostic marker.
- Antibodies targeting the NGF receptor may aid in the identification and classification of both benign and malignant soft tissue lesions.