MALIGNANT GLIAL NEOPLASMS - DEFINITION OF A HUMORAL HOST RESPONSE TO TUMOR-ASSOCIATED ANTIGEN(S)

Google Scholar
  • 1 January 1977
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 50  (4) , 397-403
Abstract
An indirect immunofluorescent antibody technique was employed to detect antibodies to tumor-associated antigens in the sera of patients with malignant gliomas. Viable single cell suspensions were used to demonstrate antibodies to surface contents of tumor cells and cell preparations were snap-frozen at -160.degree. C to demonstrate antibodies to cytoplasmic components of tumor cells. After incubation with serum, the preparations were treated with polyvalent sheep antihuman globulin conjugated to isomer-1-fluorescein isothiocyanate, washed and examined with a Leitz incident fluorescent microscope. Of the 17 sera from histologically proven malignant glial neoplasm patients, 2 (11%) were positive for an autologous surface antibody reaction. Five (23%) of 21 were positive for an autologous cytoplasmic antibody; however, 10 (47%) of the sera gave a positive reaction for cross-reacting cytoplasmic antibodies when tested with a battery of tumor cells obtained from different patients with malignant glial tumros. No reaction was observed with normal brain tissue. Absorption studies indicated the presence of a tumor-associated antigen. Apparently, certain patients with malignant gliomas possess circulating antibodies to cytoplasmic components of their own tumor cells. The fact that several sera cross-reacted with tumor cells obtained from different patients suggests that antigenic cross-reactivity exists between malignant glioma cells from different patients. With further refinement, immunofluorescent detection of antibodies could evolve as a useful diagnostic adjunct in malignant glioma.