Antibodies to the epidermal growth factor receptor block the biological activities of sarcoma growth factor

The role of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor system in mediating the biological activities of sarcoma growth factor (SGF) has been assessed by using specific anti-EGF receptor antibodies. There are two classes of anti-EGF receptor antibodies, those that block binding of 125I-labeled EGF (125I-EGF) and those that do not block binding but do interact with a portion of the EGF receptor on the surface of intact cells. Antisera of both types have been assayed for their capacity to affect the biological activities of SGF. The antisera that block 125I-EGF binding to its receptor block the induction of DNA synthesis in human fibroblasts by either EGF or SGF but not by other polypeptide mitogens. Titration of the anti-EGF receptor antiserum indicates the presence of one population of antibody that blocks the site of both EGF and SGF action. Antisera to the EGF receptor that block 125I-EGF binding also inhibited the SGF-dependent anchorage-independent growth of normal cells in soft agar. The antisera to the EGF receptor that does not block 125I-EGF binding or EGF activity did not inhibit any of the biological activities of SGF. The results suggest that occupation of the EGF receptor is required for both the mitogenic and colony-forming activity of SGF.