Abstract: This invention discloses the development of a novel platform for recombinant production of bioactive glycoproteins and cancer specific vaccines in plants. Plants and plant cell cultures have been humanized with respect to human mucin-type protein O-glycosylation. A panel of plant cell factories for production of recombinant glycoproteins with designed human O-glycosylation, including an improved cancer vaccine candidate, has been developed. The platform provides basis for i) production of an essentially unlimited array of O-glycosylated human glycoprotein therapeutics, such as human interferon ?2B and podoplanin, and ii) for further engineering of additional cancer specific O-glycans on glycoproteins of therapeutical value. Currently, mammalian cells are required for human O-glycosylation, but plants offer a unique cell platform for engineering O-glycosylation since they do not perform human type O-glycosylation.

Abstract: This invention discloses the development of a novel platform for recombinant production of bioactive glycoproteins and cancer specific vaccines in plants. Plants and plant cell cultures have been humanized with respect to human mucin-type protein O-glycosylation. A panel of plant cell factories for production of recombinant glycoproteins with designed human O-glycosylation, including an improved cancer vaccine candidate, has been developed. The platform provides basis for i) production of an essentially unlimited array of O-glycosylated human glycoprotein therapeutics, such as human interferon ?2B and podoplanin, and ii) for further engineering of additional cancer specific O-glycans on glycoproteins of therapeutical value. Currently, mammalian cells are required for human O-glycosylation, but plants offer a unique cell platform for engineering O-glycosylation since they do not perform human type O-glycosylation.

Abstract: Systematic chemical analysis of glycosphingolipid (GSL) fractions from large quantities of normal human neutrophils and HL60 cells failed to detect GSL's containing an SLex structure. Instead, the binding target of E-selectin was revealed to be a series of long-chain, unbranched polylactosamine GSL's with a terminally sialylated, internally polyfucosylated structure, called, “myeloglycan”.

Abstract: A variety of compounds are provided which are useful as immunogens and as tumor markers. The present invention discloses methods relating to the detection of cancer. Extended forms of the lacto-series type 1 chain are shown to be present in various cancer tissues. The present invention also provides a cell line and the monoclonal antibody produced therefrom. Such an antibody has a number of uses, including in diagnostic or therapeutic methods.

Abstract: A variety of compounds are provided which are usefdl as immunogens and as tumor markers. The present invention discloses methods relating to the detection of cancer. Extended forms of the lacto-series type 1 chain are shown to be present in various cancer tissues. The present invention also provides a cell line and the monoclonal antibody produced therefrom. Such an antibody has a number of uses, including in diagnostic or therapeutic methods.

Abstract: An isolated plasmalopsychosine selected from the group consisting of compound A and compound B: ##STR1## wherein n1 is 0-50 or an isolated synthetic plasmalocerebroside selected from the group consisting of compound C and compound D: ##STR2## wherein n2 and n3 each is 0-50.

Abstract: An isolated plasmalopsychosine selected from the group consisting of compound A and compound B: ##STR1## wherein n1 is 0-50 or an isolated synthetic plasmalocerebroside selected from the group consisting of compound C and compound D: ##STR2## wherein n2 and n3 each is 0-50.

Abstract: A method for preparing de-N-acylated forms of an N-acyl sugar-containing glycosphingolipid and lyso forms of glycosphingolipid comprising hydrolyzing the glycosphingolipids under mild alkaline conditions such that the N-acyl group of the sugar moiety is preferentially hydrolyzed. Substantially pure gangliosides containing de-N-acetyl-sialic acid isolated from natural sources. A culture medium for stimulating growth of human and animal cells comprising: essential nutrients for cell growth, and a cell growth stimulatory amount of one or more gangliosides containing de-N-acetyl-sialic acid. A method for stimulating growth of human and animal cells cultured in vitro with a cell growth stimulatory amount of one or more gangliosides containing de-N-acetyl-sialic acid.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibody NUH2 produced by a hybridoma having ATCC deposit no. HB 9762. An isolated antigen capable of specifically binding to anti-human sperm antibodies including NUH2 and comprising at least an epitope having a sialyl I structure, and any analogues derived from said antigen. Methods of using the monoclonal antibody and antigen for contraception and treating infertility in human females.

Abstract: A substantially pure unbranched ceramide polysaccharide type 2 chain compound having the following structure: ##STR1## wherein Gal represents galactose, GlcNAc represents N-acetylglucosamine, Fuc represents fucose Glc represents glucose and Cer represents ceramide. A substantially pure unbranched ceramide polysaccharide type 2 chain compound having the following structure: ##STR2## wherein Gal represents galatose, GlcNAc represents N-acetylglucosamine. Fuc represents fucose, Glc represents glucose, Cer represents ceramide and NeuAc represents sialic acid. Antibodies that are specific to portions of the above-described compounds, wherein the portions comprise the internal .alpha.1-.fwdarw.3 fucosyl residue and/or the terminal sialic acid residue. Immuogens for producing antibodies to the above-described compounds or portions thereof. A method of actively immunizing against tumors that express the above-described compounds.

Abstract: Disialosyl Le.sup.a (IV.sup.3 NeuAcIII.sup.6 NeuAcIII.sup.4 FucLc.sub.4), a novel human cancer-associated fucoganglioside that is highly immunogenic. Also, a hybridoma cell line (ATCC No. HB 8861) secreting a monoclonal IgG3 antibody (FH7) directed to disialosyl Le.sup.a. The disialosyl Le.sup.a antigen was detected in various cancer tissues and their cell lines but was absent in various normal tissues and blood cells. Sera of patients with various cancers, particularly early cases of colonic and gastric cancers, showed an elevated disialosyl Le.sup.a antigen level, which subsequently decreased after surgical tumor removal.

Abstract: Disialosyl Le.sup.a (IV.sup.3 NeuAcIII.sup.6 NeuAcIII.sup.4 FucLc.sub.4), a novel human cancer-associated fucoganglioside that is highly immunogenic. Also, a hybridoma cell line (ATCC No. HB 8861)secreting a monoclonal IgG3 antibody (FH7) directed to disialosyl Le.sup.a. The disialosyl Le.sup.a antigen was detected in various cancer tissues and their cell lines but was absent in various normal tissues and blood cells. Sera of patients with various cancers, particularly early cases of colonic and gastric cancers, showed an elevated disialosyl Le.sup.a antigen level, which subsequently decreased after surgical tumor removal.