Are pancarcinoma T and Tn differentiation antigens?

Abstract

Human fetal tissues were studied for presence of immunoreactive Thomsen‐Friedenreich (T) and Tn epitopes (EPs) using well‐defined anti‐T and anti‐Tn rodent monoclonal antibodies. T and Tn are universal (pan) carcinoma (CA) markers that are occluded in normal postfetal tissues except in some immunoprivileged enclaves. Immunohistochemical methods using avidin‐biotin immunoperoxidase for staining were employed. Tissues between 45 and 117 days after ovulation were studied. In most instances, anti‐T and anti‐Tn antibodies showed similar immunoreactivity as demonstrated by positive immunohistochemical staining. The most intense staining was in epithelial and mesothelial components; the mesenchyme stained more faintly. All human sera have anti‐T and anti‐Tn antibodies, stimulated largely by intestinal flora. The presence of immunoreactive T and Tn during an early phase of fetal development, as shown here, and their known absence in noncarcinomatous postfetal tissues suggests that T and Tn, in addition to their association with CA, are stage‐specific oncofetal antigens in pretolerogenic differentiation phases. Copyright © 1989 American Cancer Society