Thomsen–Friedenreich antigen

Thomsen–Friedenreich antigen (Galβ1-3GalNAcα1) is a disaccharide. It is usually present on cell surfaces in a cryptic form covered by N-acetyl neuraminic acid moieties and released into circulation in many different cancers.

See also

• Antigen

Abstract The Thomsen–Friedenreich antigen (Gal-GalNAc) represents a tumor-associated molecule, which is assumed to be one of the few chemically well-defined antigens with a proven association with malignancy. In order to analyze the role of the carbohydrate structure Gal-GalNAc for gastrointestinal tumors, we immunized Balb/c mice with MCF-7 breast tumor cells together with synthetic Gal-GalNAc linked to a BSA carrier. One monoclonal antibody (82-A6) was established which recognizes the Thomsen–Friedenreich antigen according to the biochemical and serological analysis presented here. In contrast to the studies performed in the past, immunohistochemical results using this antibody 82-A6 did not exhibit a reactivity clearly restricted to tumors. Preliminary biochemical analysis revealed that the T-determinant is detectable in the high-molecular weight range (about 1000 kD), suggesting that the Gal-GalNAc epitope is found on mucinlike glycoproteins. Tumor restriction of Thomsen–Friedenreich antigen may therefore be determined either by the protein backbone or by the beta-glycosidic linkage of the carbohydrate structure to the protein. As sited on: