Specificity: Recognizes an oncofetal antigen of 220kDa, identified as a tumor-associated glycoprotein (TAG-72) with properties of a mucin. This antibody defines the mucin-carried sialylated-Tn epitope. TAG-72 is usually expressed by adenocarcinomas, but is negative in mesotheliomas. Studies have reported that this antibody has 80% sensitivity and 93% specificity for pulmonary adenocarcinoma. Therefore, TAG-72 is a useful marker to distinguish between mesothelioma and adenocarcinoma. However, false positive reactions can occur, so results must be interpreted with the utmost degree of caution.
Immunogen: Recombinant human TAG-72 protein