[14] The region (residues 296-359) consisting of 64 amino acids at the N-terminus of cell surface mesothelin has been identified as the functional binding domain (named IAB) for MUC16/CA125, suggesting the mechanism of mesothelin acting as a MUC16/CA125 functional partner in cancer development.

[15] Mesothelin is a tumor differentiation antigen that is normally present on the mesothelial cells lining the pleura,[17] peritoneum and pericardium.

[9][18] A 2016 review indicates that some immunotherapeutic strategies have shown encouraging results in early-phase clinical trials.

[19] Elevations of serum mesothelin specific to ovarian and other cancer patients may be measured using ELISA assays.

[21] Assays for blood-borne mesothelin and MPF for tumor diagnosis, especially applied to asbestos-related mesothelioma have been developed.