Proteomic identification of a monoclonal antibody recognizing caveolin-1 in hepatocellular carcinoma with metastatic potential.

A monoclonal antibody, McAb9E (IgG3), was generated against a metastatic HCC cell line, MHCC-1. The antigen was characterized as human Caveolin-1 (Cav-1, 21kDa), with pI of 5.65. The Cav-1 antigen was found significantly over expressed in metastatic HCC cell lines as well as in tumor specimens. The Cav-1 specific McAb may be a useful molecular agent for metastatic HCC.