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[Biochemistry of melanoma-associated ganglioside antigens]
A new method for determination of epitopes defined by monoclonal antibodies has been developed using thin layer chromatography/enzyme-immunostaining. Using this method, monoclonal antibody recognizing the species-interspecies cross-reactive melanoma antigenic determinants widely shared by various mammalian species was shown to react with N-acetyl neuraminic acid containing GM3 ganglioside. We have found the presence of gangliosides containing N-glycolylneuraminic acid in human melanoma tissues. These molecular species were determined to be GM3 (NeuGc), GM2 (NeuGc) and GD3 gangliosides, which have never been detected in normal human tissues and are expected to be strong immunogens. Thus, sialic-acid containing glycoconjugates play important roles in tumor-associated cell surface antigens.
A new method for determination of epitopes defined by monoclonal antibodies has been developed using thin layer chromatography/enzyme-immunostaining. Using this method, monoclonal antibody recognizing the species-interspecies cross-reactive melanoma antigenic determinants widely shared by various mammalian species was shown to react with N-acetyl neuraminic acid containing GM3 ganglioside. We have found the presence of gangliosides containing N-glycolylneuraminic acid in human melanoma tissues. These molecular species were determined to be GM3 (NeuGc), GM2 (NeuGc) and GD3 gangliosides, which have never been detected in normal human tissues and are expected to be strong immunogens. Thus, sialic-acid containing glycoconjugates play important roles in tumor-associated cell surface antigens.