It recognizes a 53kDa intermediate filament protein which is identified as desmin. This MAb is highly specific to desmin and shows no cross-reaction with other intermediate filament proteins. Antibody to desmin reacts with striated (skeletal and cardiac) as well as smooth muscle cells. In skeletal and cardiac muscles, the staining is confined to the Z-bands giving a characteristic striated appearance. Anti-desmin antibody is useful in identification of tumors of myogenic origin. It reacts with leiomyosarcomas (smooth muscle) as well as rhabdomyosarcomas (striated muscle). This Antibody is superb for staining of formalin/paraffin tissues.