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Monoclonal antibody recognizing a core epitope on mucin
P L Devine1, R J Quin, P W Shield
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Queensland, Australia.
Disease Markers
|December 30, 1998
Summary
Monoclonal antibody TH1 detects a core mucin epitope, specifically the Tn-antigen linked to a peptide sequence. This antibody is valuable for identifying immature mucin in various cancers.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
- Oncology
Background:
- Mucins are glycoproteins with extensive O-linked glycosylation.
- Aberrant glycosylation, including Tn-antigen expression, is common in cancer.
- Characterizing mucin epitopes is crucial for cancer diagnostics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the epitope recognized by monoclonal antibody TH1.
- To evaluate TH1's potential as a diagnostic reagent for cancer.
Main Methods:
- Production of monoclonal antibody TH1 (IgM) by immunizing mice with deglycosylated cystic fibrosis mucin.
- Testing TH1 reactivity against fully glycosylated and deglycosylated mucins, including ovine mucin.
- Assessing TH1 binding inhibition by GalNAc and reactivity with Tn-positive red blood cells.
Main Results:
- TH1 reacted with deglycosylated mucins, indicating recognition of a core epitope.
- TH1 recognized the Tn-antigen (O-linked GalNAc) but required specific peptide linkage.
- TH1 stained a majority of tested cancer types (colon, lung, stomach, ovary, breast, cervix) and normal immature mucin.
Conclusions:
- Monoclonal antibody TH1 targets a peptide-linked Tn-antigen, representing an immature mucin epitope.
- TH1 is a promising reagent for detecting immature mucin and potentially diagnosing various cancers.