Human melanoma-associated antigens identified with monoclonal antibodies.

Using monoclonal antibodies three types of membrane-bound tumour-associated antigens have been identified on human melanoma cells. The tissue distribution, the immunological profile and the structural properties of these melanoma associated antigens (MAA) are described. The applications of the monoclonal antibodies to one of the MAA in the area of immunodiagnosis and immunotherapy are discussed.