ENDOMETRIAL PROTEINS, ANTIGENIC COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR DETECTING ENDOMETRIOSIS

A purified antigen having a molecular weight of about 64 to 66 kDa as determined by sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Purified endometrial proteins, free of albumin and having molecular weights of about 64 kDa and isoelectric focusing points of 3.5, 4.0, 6.0, 6.5 and 8.0 are provided. A purified endometrial protein, free of albumin and having molecular weight of 94-97 kDa and iseolectric focusing point of 3.5 is also provided. The presence of antigen composition or endometriosis-associated endometrial protein is a marker for endometriosis in a subject. A purified monoclonal antibody specifically reactive with the antigen is also provided. A method of diagnosing endometriosis in a subject is also provided. The method comprises the steps of: (a) contacting an antibody-containing sample from the subject with the antigen composition or purified endometrial proteins of the invention; and (b) detecting the reaction of the antigen with an antibody from the sample, the reaction indicating endometriosis in the subject. Having provided an endometriosis associated antigen and monoclonal antibody, a method of diagnosing endometriosis in a subject, using the MAb is also provided.