Search and characterization of melanoma antigens with the use of serological identification of antigens by recombinant expression cloning

Ten positive clones nave been identified during immunoscreening of expressing cDNA libraries by autologous sera. One of the clones encoded for a fragment of Ki-67 protein have been subcloned and the protein expressed in bacteria. Heterologous screening of recombinant Ki-67 protein by allogenic sera have been performed. Statistical analysis indicated significant difference in the level of autoantibodies in cancer sera in comparison with normal ones. The data obtained can be useful for the understanding of the malignance processes, and for the diagnostic and therapeutic purposes as well.