Background of the antigen
SSEA-4 (Stage-specific embryonic antigen 4) is a glycoprotein expressed early in embryonic development and in pluripotent stem cells. SSEA-4 can be used as a marker of Human Embryonic Stem Cells, Human Embryonic Carcinoma Cells and Human Embryonic Germ Cells. Monoclonal antibodies to this target have been widely used in the characterization of pluripotent stem cells. Mouse pluripotent stem cells are not recognised by anti-SSEA-4 antibodies but do express the antigen upon differentiation.