A monoclonal antibody which detects a cell surface antigen on murine embryonal carcinoma and early mouse embryo stages may recognize a carbohydrate determinant involving α-linked galactose

Abstract

A rat monoclonal antibody (5D4) apparently specific for murine embryonal carcinoma cells and cells of the pre-implantation embryo is described. It does not react with differentiated cells from a variety of different tumours and tissues of the mouse. Biochemical studies show that the molecules that carry 5D4 antigen are resistant to protease digestion on the cell surface but susceptible to procedures which affect carbohydrate structure. It is likely that this antibody detects a carbohydrate bearing determinant which may include an α-linked galactose residue.