Desmosome-binding antibody KM48 recognises an extracellular antigen different from desmosomal cadherins Dsg 1-3 and Dsc 1-3.

Desmosomes are the most prominent and mechanically important epidermal intercellular junctions. Transmembrane proteins of desmosomes, desmogleins and desmocollins, are responsible for extracellular binding and, thus, are important for interkeratinocyte cohesion. We show here, using three different approaches, that the extracellular "cores" of epidermal desmosomes contain a highly glycosylated antigen, different from desmosomal cadherins. This protein, recognised by KM48 monoclonal antibody, is likely to be involved in the processes of keratinocyte differentiation, desmosome turnover and epidermal cohesion.