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Updated: May 6, 2026
Preparation of CD4+ T Cells for Analysis of GD3 and GD2 Ganglioside Membrane Expression by Microscopy
Published on: November 8, 2016
Ganglioside GD2 as a therapeutic target for antibody-mediated therapy in patients with osteosarcoma
Michael Roth1, Marissa Linkowski, John Tarim
1Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Children's Hospital at Montefiore, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York.
Background:
Survival outcomes for patients with osteosarcoma have remained stagnant over the past 30 years. Targeting of ganglioside GD2, a glycosphingolipid on the cell surface of some tumors, with immunotherapy has resulted in improved outcomes for patients with neuroblastoma. In the current study, the expression pattern of GD2 was examined in osteosarcoma.
Methods:
Immunohistochemistry was performed on osteosarcoma samples from patients at the time of initial biopsy, definitive surgery, and disease recurrence. The intensity and location of staining were scored. Cell-based enzyme-linked immunoadsorbent assay was performed on osteosarcoma cell lines to quantitate the level of GD2 expression.
Results:
Forty-four osteosarcoma samples were evaluated by immunohistochemistry, including 8 samples from the initial biopsy, 28 samples from the definitive surgery, and 8 samples from the time of disease recurrence. GD2 was expressed on all 44 osteosarcoma samples. Osteosarcoma tissue obtained at the time of disease recurrence demonstrated a higher intensity of staining compared with samples obtained at initial biopsy and definitive surgery (P = .016). The majority of osteosarcoma cell lines expressed GD2 at higher levels than the neuroblastoma cell line BE(2)-C.
Conclusions:
Ganglioside GD2 is highly expressed on osteosarcomas. Clinical trials are needed to assess the efficacy of targeting GD2 in patients with osteosarcoma.
Insights
Ganglioside GD2 is highly expressed in osteosarcoma tumors. This finding suggests that targeting GD2 with immunotherapy may improve survival outcomes for osteosarcoma patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Osteosarcoma survival rates have not improved in 30 years.
- Immunotherapy targeting ganglioside GD2 (GD2) shows promise in neuroblastoma.
- This study investigates GD2 expression in osteosarcoma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the expression pattern of GD2 in osteosarcoma.
- To determine if GD2 is a viable immunotherapy target for osteosarcoma.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry used on 44 osteosarcoma samples (biopsy, surgery, recurrence).
- GD2 staining intensity and location were scored.
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay quantified GD2 levels in cell lines.
Main Results:
- GD2 was expressed in all 44 osteosarcoma samples.
- Higher GD2 staining intensity observed in recurrent osteosarcoma.
- Most osteosarcoma cell lines showed higher GD2 expression than neuroblastoma.
Conclusions:
- Ganglioside GD2 is highly expressed on osteosarcomas.
- GD2 represents a potential therapeutic target for osteosarcoma.
- Clinical trials are warranted to evaluate GD2-targeted immunotherapy efficacy.
