Expression of melanoma-associated antigens by normal and neurofibroma Schwann cells.
The cell surface antigen distribution on traumatic neuroma Schwann cells and neurofibroma Schwann-like cells was characterized using monoclonal antibodies that define melanoma-associated antigens. Immunofluorescence staining of cultured cells, immunoprecipitation of radioiodinated antigens from cells placed in short-term cultures, and immunoperoxidase staining of frozen tissue sections revealed most of the melanoma-associated antigens tested on traumatic neuroma and neurofibroma Schwann cells and on fetal and adult femoral nerve. The cross-reactivity of the antibodies with neural cells may reflect the common neural crest embryological origin of Schwann cells and melanocytes. Cell sorter analysis of neurofibroma cells using a monoclonal antibody directed against the melanoma nerve growth factor receptor resulted in cell cultures highly enriched for Schwann-like cells which may bear the genetic defect responsible for neurofibromatosis. The antigen detected by this monoclonal antibody is the neurofibroma nerve growth factor receptor and the antibody was a potent inhibitor of nerve growth factor binding to neurofibroma cells.
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000276:immunology; D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm / Q000032:analysis*; D002469:Cell Separation; D003429:Cross Reactions; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D006023:Glycoproteins / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D008545:Melanoma / Q000276:immunology*; D009455:Neurofibroma / Q000276:immunology*; D009463:Neuroma / Q000276:immunology; D011509:Proteoglycans / Q000276:immunology; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface / Q000276:immunology; D017475:Receptors, Nerve Growth Factor; D012583:Schwann Cells / Q000276:immunology*
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm; D006023:Glycoproteins; D011509:Proteoglycans; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface; D017475:Receptors, Nerve Growth Factor