Abstract: A tumor associated protein has been discovered to exhibit immunoreactivity to human monoclonal antibody L92. A ten amino acid peptide segment of the protein and a fourteen amino acid peptide which contains the ten amino acid peptide has also been isolated and exhibits immunoreactivity to the same antibody. Using truncated fusion proteins, the minimum recognition site for antibody binding was determined to be four amino acids. Also disclosed are polypeptide compositions against human tumors that includes the polypeptides or protein of the present disclosure, as well as antibodies reactive with these polypeptides that may be employed directly for treatment or diagnosis. A certain embodiment of the present invention is also the DNA sequence encoding the ten amino acid peptide and the DNA encoding the fourteen amino acid peptide which also exhibits immunoreactivity to human monoclonal antibody L92 and cytotoxic T cells.

Abstract: A tumor associated protein has been discovered to exhibit immunoreactivity to human monoclonal antibody L92. A ten amino acid peptide segment of the protein and a fourteen amino acid peptide which contains the ten amino acid peptide has also been isolated and exhibits immunoreactivity to the same antibody. Using truncated fusion proteins, the minimum recognition site for antibody binding was determined to be four amino acids. Also disclosed are polypeptide compositions against human tumors that includes the polypeptides or protein of the present disclosure, as well as antibodies reactive with these polypeptides that may be employed directly for treatment or diagnosis. A certain embodiment of the present invention is also the DNA sequence encoding the ten amino acid peptide and the DNA encoding the fourteen amino acid peptide which also exhibits immunoreactivity to human monoclonal antibody L92 and cytotoxic T cells.

Abstract: A recombinant cell line expressing a polypeptide with the amino acid sequence -Gln-Asp-Leu-Thr-Met-Lys-Tyr-Gln-Ile- has been isolated. The cell line was described as a recombinant E. coli strain. Isolated purified polypeptide include 10 or less amino acid sequences to a length of less than 100 amino acid sequences. The polypeptide is further defined as including the amino acid sequence of beta-galactosidase or glutathione-S-transferase.

Abstract: A tumor associated protein has been discovered to exhibit immunoreactivity to human monoclonal antibody L92. A ten amino acid peptide segment of the protein and a fourteen amino acid peptide which contains the ten amino acid peptide has also been isolated and exhibits immunoreactivity to the same antibody. Using truncated fusion proteins, the minimum recognition site for antibody binding was determined to be four amino acids. Also disclosed are polypeptide compositions against human tumors that includes the polypeptides or protein of the present disclosure, as well as antibodies reactive with these polypeptides that may be employed directly for treatment or diagnosis. A certain embodiment of the present invention is also the DNA sequence encoding the ten amino acid peptide and the DNA encoding the fourteen amino acid peptide which also exhibits immunoreactivity to human monoclonal antibody L92 and cytotoxic T cells.

Abstract: A method for preparing serum depleted of IgG to be used in the production of IgG monoclonal antibodies is disclosed. Animal serum is contacted with protein G or protein A prior to addition to base media to obtain a superior cell culture medium depleted of serum derived IgG antibodies. Included in the disclosure are improved media preparations for cell culture of antibody producing cells and incorporating the antibody depleted serum and improved methods of producing the antibodies.

Abstract: A human B-lymphoblastoid cell line which is identified as L612. The L612 cell line is an Epstein-Barr virus transformed cell line which secretes a human monoclonal antibody (L612) which is reactive with glycoconjugates having an epitope of terminal NeuAc .alpha.2-3 Galactose residue such as GM3 and GM4 present on a variety of human tumor tissues. The L612 antibody is useful in treating patients with the epitope containing tumors and is also useful in raising anti-id antibodies for use as surrogate antigens and diagnostic reagents.

Abstract: Murine monoclonal anti-idiotype antibodies raised against a human monoclonal anti-ganglioside antibody identified as L612. Both alpha and beta type anti-idiotype antibodies are disclosed which belong to the IgG1 class and contain kappa light chains. Two hybridoma cell lines which produced the monoclonal anti-idiotype antibodies are identified. The beta-type anti-idiotype antibodies are useful as an immunization agent to raise antibodies which are immunoreactive with tumors. The alpha-type anti-idiotype antibodies are useful as a probe for use in detecting human monoclonal antibodies bound to biopsied tumor tissues and to identify expression of ganglioside antigens on biopsied human tissues.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting melanoma cell proliferation in a mammal by administering to the mammal S-allylcysteine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Abstract: GM2 is a ganglioside present on the surface of tumors and stimulates an appreciable immune response in mammals. It is useful when coupled with a non-toxic protein carrier or mixed with an adjuvent and injected parenterally of raising the anti-GM2 titer in serum. GM2 is also valuable as a diagnostic agent.