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Updated: Oct 9, 2025
In Vitro Assay to Study Tumor-macrophage Interaction
Published on: August 1, 2019
Targeting Tn-Antigen-Positive Human Tumors with a Recombinant Human Macrophage Galactose C-Type Lectin
François Bulteau1,2,3, Michel Thépaut1, Maxime Henry2
1Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, CEA, Institut de Biologie Structurale, 38000 Grenoble, France.
Abstract:
Alterations in glycosylation cause the emergence of tumor-associated carbohydrate antigens (TACAs) during tumorigenesis. Truncation of O-glycans reveals the Thomsen nouveau (Tn) antigen, an N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc) frequently attached to serine or threonine amino acids, that is accessible on the surface of cancer cells but not on healthy cells. Interestingly, GalNac can be recognized by macrophage galactose lectin (MGL), a type C lectin receptor expressed in immune cells. In this study, recombinant MGL fragments were tested in vitro for their cancer cell-targeting efficiency by flow cytometry and confocal microscopy and in vivo after administration of fluorescent MGL to tumor-bearing mice. Our results demonstrate the ability of MGL to target Tn-positive human tumors without inducing toxicity. This outcome makes MGL, a fragment of a normal human protein, the first vector candidate for in vivo diagnosis and imaging of human tumors and, possibly, for therapeutic applications.
Insights
Macrophage galactose lectin (MGL) targets Thomsen nouveau (Tn) antigen-positive tumors. This lectin shows potential for in vivo cancer imaging and therapy without toxicity.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Immunology
- Oncology
Background:
- Tumorigenesis involves altered glycosylation, creating tumor-associated carbohydrate antigens (TACAs).
- The Thomsen nouveau (Tn) antigen, a truncated O-glycan (N-acetylgalactosamine), is exposed on cancer cells.
- Macrophage galactose lectin (MGL) recognizes GalNAc and is expressed on immune cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the cancer cell-targeting efficiency of MGL fragments in vitro and in vivo.
- To assess the potential of MGL as a diagnostic and therapeutic agent for Tn-positive tumors.
Main Methods:
- Recombinant MGL fragments were tested in vitro using flow cytometry and confocal microscopy.
- Fluorescent MGL was administered to tumor-bearing mice for in vivo imaging.
Main Results:
- MGL demonstrated efficient targeting of Tn-positive human tumors in vitro.
- In vivo studies confirmed MGL's ability to target tumors without observable toxicity.
Conclusions:
- MGL effectively targets Tn-positive tumors, indicating its potential for in vivo diagnosis and imaging.
- MGL represents a novel vector candidate for cancer imaging and potential therapeutic applications.
