Expression of the differentiation antigen of activated T and B lymphocytes (ACA-1) on cells of lymphoid and nonlymphoid tumors.

In cytotoxicity and indirect immunofluorescence tests an antiserum to ACA-1 (activated cell antigen) reacted with 58-100% of actively proliferating cells from tumors of lymphoid (EL-4 T lymphoma, MOPC 104E plasmacytoma) and nonlymphoid origin (AH-22 hepatoma, Sa-1 and MCh-11 sarcomas, F2 mammary cancer). Absorption of anti-ACA-1 serum with tumor cells sharply reduced its activity both against the cells of all these neoplasms and against normal activated T and B lymphocytes. Absorption with proliferating murine cells from the brain of embryos and the retina of neonates or with similar (nonproliferating) cells from adult mice did not affect the activity of the antiserum. It is concluded that ACA-1 is expressed on actively proliferating cells of the tumors studied.