Epitope-specific monoclonal antibodies against human C-terminal procollagen alpha 1(III)-propeptide

We have generated monoclonal antibodies against recombinant C-terminal huma n procollagen alpha 1(III) propeptide (PIIICP), produced in E. coli in high yields. The monoclonal antibodies were screened for epitope specificity us ing recombinant truncated PIIICP. Several antibodies were identified which recognized different regions of the PIIICP molecule. The ability of the ant ibodies to detect PIIICP antigens in human cell line lysates and supernatan ts was demonstrated. As PIIICP antigens are a key marker of extracellular m atrix metabolism, the monoclonal antibodies described here should be of val ue for clinical and basic research.