Antibodies to fetal antigens associated with rodent tumours

Fetal antigens associated with a range of carcinogen-induced and naturally arising rat tumours have been identified by reaction with antibodies induced by sensitizing rats for fetal cells in various ways, including by multiparity and by immunizing syngeneic WAB/Not rats with fetal tissues. Antibodies recognizing fetal antigens have potential applications in addition to their use for typing tumour-associated products. These applications include their use as carriers for targeting antitumour agents such as cytotoxic drugs and immunomodulating agents. Accordingly, several methods for producing antibodies directed against 'oncofetal' antigens have been examined, including the development of anti-fetal antibody-secreting hybridomas.