Stage-specific embryonic antigens (SSEA-3 and -4) are epitopes of a unique globo-series ganglioside isolated from human teratocarcinoma cells

EMBO J. 1983;2(12):2355-61. doi: 10.1002/j.1460-2075.1983.tb01746.x.

Abstract

Two monoclonal antibodies (MC631 and MC813-70) raised against 4- to 8-cell stage mouse embryos and a human teratocarcinoma cell line, respectively, detect the stage-specific embryonic antigens, the previously defined SSEA-3 and SSEA-4, described herein. These antibodies were both reactive with a unique globo-series ganglioside with the structure shown below: (formula; see text) The antibodies were found to recognize sequential regions of this ganglioside, i.e., MC813-70 recognizes the terminal 'a' structure whereas antibody MC631 recognizes the internal 'b' structure. Thus, a set of two antibodies defines this unique embryonic antigen. During differentiation of human teratocarcinoma 2102Ep cells, the globo-series glycolipids defined by these antibodies decrease and the lacto-series glycolipids, reacting with the SSEA-1 antibody appear. This antigenic conversion suggests that a shift of glycolipid synthesis from globo-series to lacto-series glycolipids occurs during differentiation of human teratocarcinoma and perhaps of pre-implantation mouse embryos.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antigen-Antibody Complex
  • Antigens, Neoplasm / isolation & purification*
  • Antigens, Surface / isolation & purification*
  • Blastocyst / immunology
  • Carbohydrate Conformation
  • Carbohydrate Sequence
  • Erythrocytes / immunology
  • Female
  • Glycolipids / isolation & purification*
  • Granulocytes / immunology
  • Humans
  • Lewis X Antigen
  • Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Mice
  • Neoplasms / immunology*
  • Oocytes / immunology
  • Species Specificity
  • Teratoma / immunology*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antigen-Antibody Complex
  • Antigens, Neoplasm
  • Antigens, Surface
  • Glycolipids
  • Lewis X Antigen