Human monoclonal antibodies to neuroendocrine granules derived from tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes isolated from a primitive neuroectodermal tumor.

Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes were isolated from a primitive neuroectodermal tumor and fused with GM4672 cells, resulting in hybrids secreting human IgM-kappa antibody, which is reactive to olfactory neuroblastoma tumor cells. Hybridoma clones 4F and 9G produce human monoclonal antibodies reactive to autologous and allogeneic neuroblastoma tumor cells and subsets of pancreatic islet cells in formalin-fixed tissues. They react specifically with dense core granules of glucagon and insulin-producing islet cells, but not with those in cells producing somatostatin. Calcitonin granules are not recognized by these antibodies. The area of localization of the granules is distinct from the component labeled by murine monoclonal antibodies to chromogranin A. The clones have remained stable in culture for over two years and continue to secrete up to 60 micrograms/mL of human IgM. This study demonstrates the possibility of directly analyzing the antibody repertoire of tumor-infiltrating B cells, and this technique may allow the development of human monoclonal antibodies to other novel cellular antigens.