Cell surface antigens of human trophoblast: definition of an apparently unique system with a monoclonal antibody.

An epitope with apparent specificity for the surface of human syncytiotrophoblast was defined by a murine monoclonal antibody, FDO46B (IgG1, kappa). The epitope was predominantly expressed during the first trimester of pregnancy. Binding was detected on frozen tissue sections and on cultured trophoblast by the immunoperoxidase technique. It was also detected on the surface of a small percentage (less than 10%) of cultured choriocarcinoma cells (JEG-3). A panel of human tissues was negative, as were normal and malignant human lymphocytes. The antigen bearing the FDO46B epitope was still expressed by trophoblast after culture in the presence of tunicamycin, indicating that it is possibly protein in nature. This antigen may have potential utility as a target for a contraceptive vaccine.