An enzyme immunoassay for the detection of human tumor nucleolar antigens.

An enzyme immunoassay (EIA) was developed in which nuclear extracts were bound to the wells of polystyrene microtiter plates. The presence of various antigens in the extracts could be detected using antiserum raised against HeLa cell nucleoli. Normal human cell extracts, coupled to Sepharose as a solid phase absorbent, were used to remove antibodies directed against antigens present in normal cells, The resulting purified antibodies produced a linear EIA absorbance in the range of 100-500 ng tumor extract, but little EIA absorbance with nuclear extracts from human placenta and liver.