CD BioGlyco specializes in the Development of Tumor-associated Vaccines, with a particular focus on GD2 Ganglioside antigen. Our services include the conjugation of the GD2 antigen with Adjuvants and Carriers to enhance the immune response, leading to the development of personalized anti-tumor vaccines. We are dedicated to leveraging cutting-edge glycoengineering technologies to optimize the immunogenicity and efficacy of our vaccines.

GD2 gangliosides are associated with multiple types of cancer. They are found in higher levels in cancer cells, particularly in melanomas and neuroblastomas, compared to normal tissues. GD2 gangliosides act as tumor-specific antigens, and researchers are investigating GD2 synthase as a potential target for drug development. In neuroblastoma, a GD2 antibody has been approved for combination treatment with other drugs. Additionally, GD2 gangliosides can serve as circulating biomarkers. At CD BioGlyco, our expertise lies in tumor-associated GD2 ganglioside antigen production. We possess our state-of-the-art Glyco™ Vaccine Development Service Platform to deliver customizable GD2 antigens of exceptional quality.

We offer the chemoenzymatic synthesis of GD2 by utilizing the chemically prepared LacβProN₃, aminopropyl-functionalized lactose.

• In this intricate process, we harness the power of several enzymes. The α2,3-sialyltransferase PmST1 and the CMP-sialic acid synthetase NmCSS, along with cytidine-5′-triphosphate (CTP) and Neu5Ac, play crucial roles in the initial steps. These enzymes facilitate the formation of the trisaccharide Neu5Acα2,3-LacβProN₃ (GM3-ProN₃)
• Subsequently, we use Campylobacter jejuni α2,8-sialyltransferase (CjCstII), NmCSS, Neu5Ac, and CTP to further modify GM3-ProN₃. Through their concerted efforts, we successfully obtain the GD3 tetrasaccharide (GD3-ProN₃). C. jejuni β-1,4-N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase (CjCgtA), along with N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc), adenosine triphosphate (ATP), uridine triphosphate (UTP), and the NahK/GlmU fusion enzyme are used to install the GalNAc moiety, forming the azide bearing GD2 pentasaccharide.
• To complete the synthesis, we employ catalytic hydrogenolysis to reduce the azido group of GD2 pentasaccharide, ultimately obtaining the desired GD2.

To achieve strong and long-lasting antibody responses, it is crucial to conjugate the GD2 antigen with an immunogenic carrier.

Fig.1 The synthesis process. (CD BioGlyco)

Frequently Asked Question

• What is the structure of GD2 ganglioside?

GD2 ganglioside lipids are a specific type of ganglioside found in sphingolipids. Their structure comprises a ceramide backbone connected to an oligosaccharide unit containing five sugar molecules, two of which are sialic acid. The ceramide backbone consists of two hydrocarbon chains, with variable lengths and levels of hydroxylation and double bonds, connected to a fatty acid through an amide bond.

Fig.2 Chemical structure of GD2 ganglioside. (Wikipedia, 2023)

Applications

• GD2 is expressed on the surface of many neuroblastoma and melanoma cells, making it an attractive target for immunotherapy. Antibodies targeting GD2, such as rituximab, have been used in the treatment of neuroblastoma.
• GD2 expression can serve as a diagnostic marker for certain cancers, including neuroblastoma and melanoma. Detection of GD2 expression can aid in the diagnosis and monitoring of these diseases.
• GD2-based vaccines are being developed to stimulate the immune system’s response against GD2-expressing tumors. These vaccines aim to elicit a specific immune response that can target and destroy cancer cells.
• Antibodies or other targeting molecules can be conjugated to GD2 for targeted drug delivery to tumor cells expressing GD2. This approach enhances the therapeutic efficiency and reduces off-target effects.
• GD2 is also used as a research tool to study cell adhesion, migration, and signaling processes. Its involvement in cancer progression and metastasis makes it an interesting target for studying tumor biology.

Advantages

• By conjugating the GD2 antigen with an immunogenic carrier, it can induce a strong and long-lasting antibody response. This enhances the immune system’s ability to recognize and attack GD2 effectively.
• The conversion of GD2 amine groups to thiocyanate GD2 allows for efficient conjugation with the Qβ VLPs. This conjugation reaction exhibits good efficiency and selectivity.
• Mass spectrometry analysis allows for precise determination of the number of GD2 molecules per Qβ particle in the Qβ-GD2 conjugate, enabling accurate quantification of the conjugate’s chemical composition.

Through advanced technologies and strict quality control, CD BioGlyco ensures structural integrity and immunogenicity. We provide reliable and reproducible results to clients, advancing immunotherapy research focused on GD2 ganglioside antigens. If you are curious about our services, feel free to contact us.

References

1. From Wikimedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GD2#/media/File:GD2_ganglioside.png.
2. Wu, X.; et al. Chemoenzymatic synthesis of 9NHAc-GD2 antigen to overcome the hydrolytic instability of O-acetylated-GD2 for anticancer conjugate vaccine development. Angewandte Chemie International Edition. 2021, 60(45): 24179-24188.