Monoclonal Antibodies as a Tool to Detect Melanoma-Associated Antigens

Abstract

The existence of common serologically defined tumor-associated antigen(s) on human melanoma cells has been suggested by several studies in which human allogeneic or autologous sera have been used (Gupta and Morton, 1975; Lewis et al., 1979; Carey et al., 1976; Liao et al.,1978; Shiku et al., 1976, 1977; Cornain et al., 1975; Ferrone and Pellegrino, 1977; Hersey et al., 1976; Morton et al., 1968; Muna et al., 1969). In addition, immunization of rabbits, guinea pigs, and monkeys with human melanoma cells has led to the production of several xenoantisera that after absorption reacted preferentially with melanoma cells from primary or long-term cultures (Bystryn, 1977; Carrel et al., 1980a; Fritze et al., 1976; Liao et al., 1979; McCabe et al., 1978; Metzgar et al., 1973; Sorg et al., 1978; Stuhlmiller and Seigler, 1975; Viza and Phillips, 1975). The major drawback of such antisera is, however, the overwhelming number of contaminating antibodies that have to be removed by extensive absorption before any tumor specificity can be demonstrated.