A recombinant human partial protein (amino acids 100-224) was used as the immunogen for the EpCAM antibody. The epitope of this mAb has been mapped to between amino acids 202-212.
EGP40 is a 40-43kDa transmembrane epithelial glycoprotein, also identified as epithelial specific antigen (ESA), or epithelial cellular adhesion molecule (Ep-CAM). It is expressed on baso-lateral cell surface in most simple epithelia and a vast majority of carcinomas. Antibody to Ep-CAM has been used to distinguish adenocarcinoma from pleural mesothelioma and hepatocellular carcinoma. This antibody is also useful in distinguishing serous carcinomas of the ovary from mesothelioma.
