[Monoclonal antibodies against surface antigens of laryngeal carcinoma cells (author's transl)].

Humoral and cellular immune responses to laryngeal carcinomas suggest the presence of tumor-associated antigens on the surface of larynx carcinoma cells. Production of antisera against specific antigens on human tumors or tissues is complicated by the concomitant production of antibodies that react with all human cells. To circumvent this problem monospecific antibodies are needed. After isolation of larynx carcinoma cells by cell culture techniques outer cell membranes were prepared and used to immunize mice. From these mice the antibody-producing spleen cells were isolated and fused with myeloma cells resulting in antibody-secreting hybrid cells. Hybrid cells were cloned, thus forming monoclonal antibodies. A hybridoma clone was isolated producing antibodies that did not bind to various normal human cells lines, fibrocytes or lymphocytes, nor to cells of non-human origin. In contrast, the monoclonal antibody was able to identify various malignant target cells, including two laryngeal carcinomas and two salivary gland carcinomas. Monoclonal antibodies are a useful tool for detection of tumor-specific antigens and differentiation antigens. They represent an approach toward identifying and isolating cell surface components.