TAG-72 Antibody B72.3 / Tumor Associated Glycoprotein Carcinoma Marker [clone B72.3] (V2361)

Description

Tumor associated glycoprotein 72 (TAG-72), commonly referred to as CA72-4, is a high molecular weight mucin-like glycoprotein expressed on the surface of many epithelial-derived tumors. TAG-72 Antibody, clone B72.3, is a mouse monoclonal antibody that recognizes this well-characterized tumor-associated antigen and has been extensively used in cancer research across a wide range of carcinoma types.

TAG-72 is not a single protein but rather a tumor-associated epitope present on mucin-like glycoproteins that carry specific carbohydrate structures, including sialyl-Tn and related glycan motifs. These carbohydrate-rich epitopes are typically expressed at low levels in normal adult tissues but become highly upregulated and aberrantly glycosylated in malignant epithelial cells. As a result, TAG-72 serves as a widely studied marker of tumor-associated glycosylation and altered epithelial cell surface composition.

Expression of TAG-72 has been reported in multiple carcinomas, including colorectal, gastric, pancreatic, ovarian, and breast cancers. In these settings, staining is commonly observed along the cell membrane and within the cytoplasm of tumor epithelial cells, reflecting the distribution of mucin-type glycoproteins. Normal tissues generally show limited or absent expression, although some low-level reactivity may be observed in secretory epithelia. This tumor-restricted expression pattern has made TAG-72 Antibody a valuable tool for distinguishing malignant from non-malignant epithelial cells in tissue-based studies.

Clone B72.3 is one of the most extensively characterized antibodies targeting TAG-72 and has been used in numerous peer-reviewed studies, contributing to its recognition as a benchmark reagent for detecting this antigen. Its long history of use has supported investigations into tumor biology, antigen distribution, and cancer-associated glycosylation patterns. TAG-72 detection has also been explored in the context of circulating tumor markers, where CA72-4 levels may reflect disease presence or progression in certain cancers.

At the cellular level, TAG-72-associated mucins contribute to changes in cell adhesion, immune recognition, and tumor microenvironment interactions. Altered glycosylation can influence how tumor cells interact with surrounding stromal cells and immune components, as well as how they migrate and invade. These features underscore the importance of TAG-72 as a marker of epithelial tumor biology and aberrant glycoprotein expression, supporting the use of TAG-72 Antibody in studies of carcinoma development, progression, and tissue distribution.

This antibody is part of a broader antibody panel offered by NSJ Bioreagents.

Application Notes

The concentration stated for each application is a general starting point. Variations in protocols, secondaries and substrates may require the TAG-72 Antibody B72.3 / Tumor Associated Glycoprotein Carcinoma Marker to be titered up or down for optimal performance.

1. HIER: boil tissue sections in pH 9 10mM Tris with 1mM EDTA for 10-20 min followed by cooling at RT for 20 min.
2. The prediluted format is supplied in a dropper bottle and is optimized for use in IHC. After epitope retrieval step (if required), drip mAb solution onto the tissue section and incubate at RT for 30 min.

Immunogen

The membrane-enriched fraction of a human breast carcinoma liver metastasis was used as the immunogen for this TAG-72 antibody.

Storage

Store the TAG-72 antibody at 2-8oC (with azide) or aliquot and store at -20oC or colder (without azide).

Alternate Names

TAG-72 antibody, Tumor associated glycoprotein 72 antibody, CA72-4 antibody, Cancer antigen 72-4 antibody, Sialyl-Tn associated antigen antibody, clone B72.3 antibody