Inhibition of target cell adhesion by monoclonal antibody to the 66 kD surface antigen of Entamoeba histolytica.

The adherence of Entamoeba histolytica trophozoites to target cells was studied using a monoclonal antibody to a major surface antigen of 66 kD. Preincubation of trophozoites with monoclonal antibody decreased their ability to adhere to and engulf erythrocytes and to destroy Chinese hamster ovary cells. The monoclonal antibody was specific for the 66 kD antigen, which is possibly a major participant in the adhesion that precedes phagocytosis and cytopathic effects.