Molecular characteristics of two lung carcinoma cell-line associated membrane antigens.

The molecular characteristics of the antigens detected by the moab BW 181/26 and BW 166/6 are described. The 55 KD molecule defined by BW 181/26 is strongly attached to the plasma membrane and is not secreted, whereas the 140 KD (96 KD) and 120 KD (61 KD) molecules recognized by BW 166/6 are loosely associated to the cell membrane and secreted into the tissue culture medium. The last two antigens might be used as markers for the early detection of certain lung carcinomas, whereas the 55 KD membrane associated antigen could be a target for immunotoxins used in immunotherapy of cancer.