["Non-specific cross reacting antigen (NCA)", a tracer of human granulocytes and monocytes]

The non specific cross reacting antigen, or NCA, is a normal tissue antigen that cross reacts with CEA. It bears a specific antigenic determinant that is absent from CEA. Immunocytological studies first pointed out that NCA, but not CEA, is present in alveolar macrophages and polymorphonuclears. Further work demonstrated that NCA is a marker of granulocytic series: it appears at the stage of promyelocyte and likely is linked to the azurophilic granules. The same antigen is also present in peripheral blood monocytes, it is not detectable in them, but after adherence to glass. The possible role of NCA in these lytic enzyme rich cells is discussed.