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, 40 kDa mesothelin polypeptide, which 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.
