Relationship of F9 antigens to spermatogenic cell antigens.

Mice immunized with teratocarcinoma F9 cells or human blood group substances A, B or H exhibited significant inhibition of spermatogenesis comparable to the inhibition induced by immunization with testicular cells. All these immunization schemes resulted in the production of antibodies which recognize antigens common to F9 and spermatogenic cells. In addition to these antigens, both anti-F9 and anti-ABH sera also recognize antigens which are specific for F9 cells. One of them was identified as SSEA-1. These results support the hypothesis that oncofetal F9 antigens are carbohydrate structures, which may play an important role in spermatogenic cell differentiation.