Method and composition for diagnosis of melanocytic lesions

Abstract

This invention relates to monoclonal antibodies that recognize an antigen specific to melanocytic lesions. These antibodies are useful in methods of isolating melanoma cells and diagnosing melanocytic lesions. These antibodies are also useful for immunotherapy against melanoma.

1 . A monoclonal antibody which specifically binds to an antigen on human melanoma cells, wherein (a) said antigen is specifically bound by the antibody produced by the hybridoma deposited under ATCC Accession No. 12588, (b) said antigen is present on the membrane and in the cytoplasm of human melanoma cells, and (c) said antigen is not present in normal non-activated human melanocytic cells and non-melanocytic human tumor cells in an amount that is detectable by the antibody produced by the hybridoma deposited under ATCC Accession No. 12588.  
   
   
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