Abstract: The present invention discloses novel chimeric monoclonal antibodies, directed against proteoglycans of human melanoma cells, having antigen-specific variable regions of defined amino acid sequences. DNA constructs for the light and heavy chain variable regions comprising the novel antibodies of the invention are provided. Eukaryotic host cells capable of expression of the chimeric antibodies and comprising the novel chimeric antibody-encoding DNA constructs are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention comprises novel recombinant DNA compounds which encode the .about.40,000 dalton adenocarcinoma antigen recognized by monoclonal antibody KS 1/4. Eukaryotic and prokaryotic expression vectors have been constructed that comprise novel KSA-encoding DNA and drive expression of KSA when transformed into an appropriate host cell. The novel expression vectors can be used to produce KSA derivatives, such as non-glycosylated KSA, and to produce KSA precursors, such as nascent KSA, and to produce subfragments of KSA. The recombinant-produced KSA is useful for the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of disease states including adenocarcinomas of the lung, prostate, breast, ovary and colon/rectum; and for the creation of novel antibodies for treatment or diagnosis of the above.

Abstract: The present invention comprises novel recombinant DNA compounds which encode monoclonal antibody KS1/4 and chimeric derivatives of monoclonal antibody KS1/4. Eukaryotic expression vectors have been constructed that comprise novel KS1/4-encoding DNA and drive expression of KS1/4 when transformed into an appropriate host cell. The novel expression vectors can be used to create modified and chimeric derivatives of KS1/4. The recombinant-produced KS1/4, KS1/4 derivatives and KS1/4 chimeras are useful for the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of disease states including adenocarcinoma.