Mesothelin is a differentiation antigen present on the surface of ovarian
cancers, mesotheliomas and several other types of human cancers. Because
among normal tissues, mesothelin is only present on mesothelial cells, it
represents a good target for antibody mediated delivery of cytotoxic
agents. The present invention is directed to anti-mesothelin antibodies,
including Fv molecules with particularly high affinity for mesothelin, and
immunoconjugates employing them. Also described are diagnostic and
therapeutic methods using the antibodies. The anti-mesothelin antibodies
are well-suited for the diagnosis and treatment of cancers of the ovary,
stomach, squamous cells, mesotheliomas and other malignant cells
expressing mesothelin.
