Anti-muc5b antibody and assay of muc5b mucin in mucus and other bodily secretions

摘要

The novel anti-mucin antibodies of the invention provide a means of quantitating specific mucin protein levels in a heterogeneous mucin secretion. The novel antibody of the invention specifically recognizes a non-tandem repeat segment within the D4 domain of the human mucin MUC5B, and binds to apical secretory vesicles of epithelia expressing the MUC5B glycoprotein. The antibody may be polyclonal or monoclonal. A quantitative assay using the antibodies allows measurement of any variance in MUC5B levels in a given tissue or secretion, under changing physiologic conditions. In particular, an assay is provided to determine MUC5B mucin protein levels in the cervical mucus throughout the menstrual cycle. The invention also encompasses a kit for determining MUC5B levels and a method for determining an individual's optimum fertility period, by determining the approximate timepoint in an individual's menstrual cycle at which mucin secretions have significantly greater MUC5B content and hence, decreased viscosity.