CA125/MUC16: Proteins and Enzymes

The CA125 antigen, also known as MUC16, is a mucin protein that may be found in type I transmembrane or secreted forms that are used monitor the progress of epithelial ovarian cancer therapy. Expression of isoforms, proteolytic cleavage, and heavy N- and O- linked glycosylation produce forms of human CA125 that can vary from 200-5000 kDa in size. It inhibits NK cell activity, which is thought to contribute to immune evasion in peritoneal cancer and pregnancy.