Abstract: A heterologous sandwich immunoassay has been developed for human TF antigen using a monoclonal antibody as the catcher and labelled peanut agglutinin as the probe. Since human TF antigen is shed by tumor cells, a positive determination of the TF antigen in a patient sample indicates the presence of cancer. The test can also be used to monitor the course of conventional chemotherapy or radiotherapy by monitoring the amount of TF antigen in a fluid sample from a patient being so treated. Because of the sensitivity of the assay method, cancer can be detected in very early stages by the assay method of the present invention.

Abstract: Human tumor associated Thomsen-Friedenreich (TF) antigen is purified from adenocarcinoma conditioned media, adenocarcinoma cell detergent extracts or plural effusion fluid by affinity chromatography using an insolubilized TF-specific monoclonal antibody, MAb 49H.8. The TF antigen is a glycoprotein characterized by a non-cryptic Gal .beta.(1.fwdarw.3) GalNAc epitope, a molecular weight in excess of 1,000,000 daltons, and extractability with perchloric acid, the epitope being sensitive to alkali and periodate but resistant to acid. A heterologous sandwich immunoassay has been developed for human TF antigen using a monoclonal antibody as the catcher and labelled peanut agglutinin as the probe. Since human TF antigen is shed by tumor cells, a positive determination of the TF antigen in a patient sample indicates the presence of cancer.

Abstract: Cells which produce antibodies which bind carbohydrate epitopes of glycoproteins are identified by screening with mucinous body fluids in raw, or preferably partially purified, form. Fine differences in antibody specificity may be detected by further screening with mucinous body fluids treated to alter the carbohydrate epitope interest, e.g., removal of sialic acid from a sialosyl Lewis-a epitope. The selected antibodies may be used in immunopurification, immunodiagnosis and immunotherapy.By this method, antibodies have been found whose binding to carbohydrate epitopes such as sialosyl Lewis-a is relatively insensitive to pH. Such antibodies are of particular value in immunological methods where pH is a consideration.

Abstract: Fluorocarbon chain-containing linking arms can be used to conjugate haptens to protein carriers such as BSA, HSA, or antibodies without recourse to harsh chemistry. In addition, .sup.19 F atoms serve as markers for quantitative estimation of bound haptens.

Abstract: DTH-Effector cells are primed with carbohydrate antigens and used to enhance the cellular immune response. Tumors have been inhibited by DTH-Effector cells primed with epiglycanin and with synthetic T and Tn antigens. Either the DTH-Effector cells, or these tumor-associated carbohydrate antigens directly, may be used for tumor prophylaxis and therapy.

Abstract: The invention describes a one-pot single step procedure for the azidochlorination or diazidization of glycals, including glycal elements of carbohydrates. Compounds such as 3,4,6-tri-O-benzyl-2-azido-2-deoxy-alpha-D-galactopyranosy chloride, and 3,4,6-tri-O-benzyl-2-azido-2-deoxy-alpha-,beta-D-galactopyranose are prepared from tri-O-benzyl galactal as well as 3,4,6-tri-O-acetyl-2-azido-2-deoxy-D-alpha-galactopyranasol chloride and 3,6-di-O-acetyl-4-O-[2,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-beta-D-galactopyranosyl]-2-azi do-2-deoxy-alpha-D-glycopyranosyl chloride from their respective O-acetylated glycal derivatives by the addition of azido chloride which is chemically generated in situ. A method using 3,4,6-tri-O-acetyl-2-azido-2-deoxy-alpha-D-galactopyranosyl chloride for the synthesis of antigenic determinants such as the terminal asialo GM.sub.1 (beta-D-Gal (1->3)-beta-D-GalNAc-OR) has been demonstrated.