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Antibody distinct from that involved in neutralization and directed to an antigen (AG-4) induced in HEp-2 cells by infection with herpesvirus type 2 was identified in serums from patients with cervical carcinoma by means of a quantitative micro complement fixation test. The presence of antibody to AG-4 correlates well with the extent of the tumor; antibody is virtually absent in matched control women and in women with therapy and without recurrent neoplasia. Reactivity is not observed with control antigen consisting of a cell extract prepared from uninfected HEp-2 cells. The possible prognostic significance of this antibody and its implications are discussed.

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