A monoclonal antibody detecting cell surface epitope on some drug resistant human tumour cell lines
1990

Monoclonal Antibody Detects Drug Resistance in Tumor Cells

Sample size: 1 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): S.P.C. Cole, S.A. Mohamdee, S.E.L. Mirski

Primary Institution: Queen's University

Hypothesis

The study investigates the development of a monoclonal antibody that recognizes a cell surface antigen associated with drug resistance in human ovarian carcinoma cells.

Conclusion

The monoclonal antibody MAb 7.4.1 recognizes a distinct antigen associated with drug resistance that is independent of P-glycoprotein.

Supporting Evidence

  • MAb 7.4.1 labeled 84% of viable AD cells and only 1-2% of 9S cells, indicating its specificity.
  • The antibody's reactivity was significantly reduced on formalin-fixed cells compared to unfixed cells.
  • Immunoblotting showed that MAb 7.4.1 reacts with three proteins of estimated molecular weights of 186, 169, and 158 kDa.

Takeaway

Scientists created a special antibody that can find a part of cancer cells that helps them resist treatment, which is different from a known protein that usually does this.

Methodology

The study involved immunizing a mouse with drug-resistant ovarian cancer cells, fusing spleen cells with myeloma cells, and testing for specific antibodies using ELISA and flow cytometry.

Limitations

The antibody's reactivity was adversely affected by common fixatives, limiting its potential as an immunodiagnostic tool.

Participant Demographics

The study used a female Balb/c mouse for antibody production.

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