["Non-specific cross reacting antigen (NCA)", a tracer of human granulocytes and monocytes].
C R Seances Soc Biol Fil, 1979;173(2):261-9.
PMID: 92357
Abstract
The non specific cross reacting antigen, or NCA, is a normal tissue antigen that cross reacts with CEA. It bears a specific antigenic determinant that is absent from CEA. Immunocytological studies first pointed out that NCA, but not CEA, is present in alveolar macrophages and polymorphonuclears. Further work demonstrated that NCA is a marker of granulocytic series: it appears at the stage of promyelocyte and likely is linked to the azurophilic granules. The same antigen is also present in peripheral blood monocytes, it is not detectable in them, but after adherence to glass. The possible role of NCA in these lytic enzyme rich cells is discussed.
MeSH terms
Antigens; Carcinoembryonic Antigen; Cross Reactions; Epitopes; Glycoproteins; Granulocytes; Humans; Monocytes
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