Serologic Demonstration of the Albuminoid Nature of the B700 Murine Melanoma Antigen

Abstract

Limited available evidence indicates that the B700 murine melanoma antigen is related to serum albumin, but potential relationships to other members of the serum albumin protein family have not yet been established. Using specific antibodies raised against each of the members of the albumin family, we have studied cross-reactivity by solid phase enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western immunoblotting. We demonstrate that B700 is serologically cross-reactive to members of the serum albumin family, which includes α-fetoprotein and vitamin D binding protein. Therefore, B700 is part of the serum albumin family of proteins, although the mechanism underlying its specific expression by transformed melanocytes remains unknown.