The present invention provides
recombinant antigen-binding regions and antibodies and functional fragments containing such
antigen-binding regions that are specific for the membrane-anchored, 4O.kDa
mesothelin polypeptide, which is overexpressed in several tumors, such as pancreatic and ovarian tumors,
mesothelioma and
lung cancer cells. These antibodies, accordingly, can be used to treat these and other disorders and conditions. Antibodies of the invention also can be used in the diagnostics field, as well as for further investigating the role of
mesothelin in the progression of disorders associated with
cancer. The invention also provides
nucleic acid sequences encoding the foregoing antibodies, vectors containing the same, pharmaceutical compositions and kits with
instructions for use.