Based on autologous serological typing of cultured astrocytoma cells from 30 patients, three classes of surface antigens have been defined. Class I antigens are restricted to autologous astrocytoma cells. Class II antigens are shared by autologous as well as certain allogeneic tumors, but are not detected on normal cells. Class III antigens are not tumor-specific and are found on both normal and malignant cells. This analysis of human astrocytoma, with the recognition of three classes of surface antigens recognized by autologous sera, resembles the results of autologous typing of human malignant melanoma, acute leukemia, and renal carcinoma.
