Generacion y caracterizacion primaria de anticuerpos monoclonales contra el receptor del factor de crecimiento epidermico

The receptor for epidermal growth factor (EGF-R) is a membrane glycoprotein which is gaining growing interest in cancer research. In the present paper we describe the generation of murine hybridomas secreting monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against EGF-R, by means of a cross-recognition selection system given by immunization with affinity purified receptors from human placenta and identification of secretory hybridomas through the recognition by the receptor of A431 human tumor cells. Four hybridomas were selected which produce MAbs with high affinity for EGF-R (Kd = 10^-9-10^-10M). All MAbs were able to inhibit the binding of EGF to its receptor. A competition ELISA system showed that these MAbs recognize at least two different epitopes. These four MAbs are now available for the immunohistochemical identification of EGF-R in human tissues and for other research purposes.