Differential cell surface antigen expression on metastatic variant lymphoma cell lines.

In the present investigation we have studied the cell surface antigenicity of a syngeneic murine metastatic lymphoma model system. This system is comprised of a highly malignant and metastatic RAW117-H10 subline and the less malignant/metastatic parental RAW117-P cell line. Using rabbit antisera raised against whole tumor cells we have been able to identify two major glycoprotein antigens which are differentially expressed on the cells. Although these antigens have a similar molecular weight (70 kD), they are antigenically distinct as determined by in vitro cytotoxicity assays. The levels of glycosylation on these glycoproteins were also found to be different. Increased expression of one of the antigenic components on the metastatic RAW117-H10 cells appeared to be associated with metastasis in this tumor model system.