The ontogeny of human thymic epithelium specific antigens as defined by monoclonal antibodies.

The ontogeny of human thymic epithelial antigens was studied by the use of monoclonal antibodies and immunohistological techniques. The results show that the T2/30 antigen, specific for cortical epithelial cells appears later than the BH11, BC3 and AG3 antigens. This is the first demonstration of the developmentally regulated appearance of a thymic epithelium specific antigen (not present in other epithelial cells e.g., skin, mucosa).