Abstract
An interspecies cross-reactive pancreas antigen (PA3) was prepared by a monoclonal antibody (SP 3-1, IgM), which reacted with duct cells of multiple exocrine organs. Specific cell-mediated immunity to PA3 was examined using lymphocyte proliferation test. Lymphocyte sensitization was demonstrated in five of 20 patients with idiopathic chronic pancreatitis, three of 12 patients with alcoholic chronic pancreatitis, and 10 of 15 patients with Sjögren syndrome, whereas only one of 8 patients with PBC, and none of 7 patients with stone related chronic pancreatitis and normal controls (n=14) showed positive results. These results revealed a possibility that PA3 was the target antigen for cellular immune-response in the pathogenesis of chronic pancreatitis and/or Sjögren syndrome.
