Characterization of a monoclonal antibody, OVB1, which binds to a unique determinant in human ovarian carcinomas and myeloid cells.

A monoclonal antibody, OVB1, was generated against a human ovarian carcinoma cell line, OVCAR-3. The antigen reacting with this antibody was strongly expressed on the external surface of the plasma membrane of OVCAR-3 cells and cells of 4/4 other ovarian carcinoma lines. Variable density and homogeneity of expression was found on cells from 5/5 breast carcinoma lines. Various ovarian tumor specimens and normal human tissues were frozen, cryostat-sectioned, and examined for OVB1 reactivity using immunoperoxidase methods. A strong, uniform, homogeneous reaction on 10/10 ovarian carcinoma specimens and variable, non-homogeneous reactions on breast tumors were seen. Normal tissues reacting with the antibody include thyroid, pituitary pars intermedia, breast ductal epithelium, Auerbach's plexus and neuronal processes in the GI tract, colonic mucosal epithelium, and salivary gland ductal epithelium. Polymorphonuclear leukocytes, eosinophils, and approximately 13% of peripheral lymphocytes, as well as cells around germinal centers in lymph nodes and spleen, showed strong reactivity by immunofluorescence and/or immunoperoxidase. Expression of the OVB1 antigen in the myeloid cells of normal human bone marrow occurred from the promyelocyte stage through to more mature cells in a subpopulation of myeloblasts. Indirect immunofluorescence of live peripheral blood cells showed localization to the surface of PMNs, eosinophils, and certain lymphocytes. Double-immunofluorescence studies (with a direct fluorescein-anti-lactoferrin antibody conjugate) showed co-localization of OVB1 and OKM1 (anti-C3bi receptor) antibodies to specific granules of PMNs. Localization of OVB1 and OKM1 antibodies to granular structures in the PMN was confirmed by electron microscopy using the ferritin bridge technique. The antigen reacting with the OVB1 antibody was shown to be neuraminidase sensitive, but protease insensitive. The OVB1 monoclonal antibody may be useful in identification of ovarian tumors and subclassification of myeloid leukemias.