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J Wiels

Publications and source records attributed to J Wiels.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Analysis of phenotypic and functional changes during ganglioside-induced inhibition of human T cell proliferation.

Glycosphingolipids added to the cell culture medium can be incorporated into the plasma membrane and interfere with the growth of certain cell types. In the past years, previous reports have shown that gangliosides, a class of glycosphingolipids bearing sialic acid can inhibit antigen or mitogen induced T cell proliferative responses in vitro. We report here that the inhibition of PHA induced proliferation by the trisialoganglioside GT1b was not reversed by addition of exogenous IL-1, IL-2, TPA and calcium ionophore. Furthermore, GT1b did not affect IL-2 production by activated T cells. In addition, GT1b ganglioside could also decrease strongly the expression of the T cell antigens CD3, CD2, CD4, CD8 and the alpha/beta T cell receptor antigenic complex whereas it did not affect HLA-class I antigens. By contrast, GT1b modulated only partially membrane expression of activation antigens such as CD25 (Tac) and transferrin receptor and increased the expression of HLA-class II antigens. Moreover CD25 messenger RNA induction was not affected by GT1b treatment of PHA-stimulated T cells. Our results demonstrate that gangliosides, in spite of their anti-proliferative capacity and their modulation effect on T cell antigen membrane expression, do not prevent the progression of T cells into early stages of the activation process.

Antigens, CD↗

Sequential shifts in the three major glycosphingolipid series are associated with B cell differentiation.

Cell surface glycolipid expression as well as total glycolipid content of various B cell lines, representative of different B cell stages, and normal B lymphocytes were examined. Glycolipids, made up of a carbohydrate chain attached to a lipid called ceramide, are classified in four main 'series'. These series are defined according to the identity and chemical bonding of the sugars closest to the ceramide moiety. The pre-B cell lines contained lacto-series type II chain-based glycolipids and II3-alpha-N-acetyl-neuraminosyllactosylceramide (GM3) ganglioside. Upon differentiation, the lacto-series synthesis was shut down whereas compounds of the globo-series appeared: resting lymphocytes and lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCL) expressed GM3, globotriaosylceramide (Gb3), and globoside (Gb4). At a later stage of B cell differentiation, biosynthesis of the ganglio-series was extended and myeloma cells expressed II3-alpha-N-acetyl-neuraminosylgangliotriosylceramide (GM2). At the cell surface, in addition to Gb3, that we previously described as specifically expressed on Burkitt's lymphoma cells and on a subset of germinal centre tonsillar B cells, two glycolipids seemed specific of certain B cell lines: Gb4 was strongly positive on six out of eight LCLs and on the low buoyant density fraction of tonsillar B lymphocytes, whereas GM2 ganglioside was only detected on the two myeloma cell lines. These results, demonstrating the stage-dependent expression of certain glycolipids, suggest that these carbohydrate molecules could play functional roles during B cell differentiation.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Decreased accessibility of globotriaosylceramide associated with decreased tumorigenicity in Burkitt's lymphoma variants induced by immunoselection.

To investigate a role for globotriaosylceramide (Gb3) as a tumor-associated antigen, variant cells resistant to treatment with complement and monoclonal antibody 38-13, which recognizes Gb3, were selected from a Burkitt's lymphoma cell line, Ramos. Variant cells displayed a clear decrease of antibody-binding capacity whereas the amount of Gb3 at their plasma membrane was not significantly different from that of Ramos parental cells. This demonstrated a reduced accessibility of Gb3 at the surface of variant cells. In parallel, no changes in other surface antigens were recorded as compared to those in Ramos cells. No changes of proliferative properties in suspension culture or of c-myc expression were observed although variant cells showed a decreased colony-forming capacity in agar. Variant cells showed a significant reduction in tumorigenic potential when injected s.c. into nude mice. The decreased tumorigenicity appeared related to the low antibody-binding capacity because both tumorigenicity and Gb3 antigenicity were recovered in parallel in revertant cells growing in suspension culture. In vivo, after two transplantations of variant cells into mice, cells isolated from the few induced tumors still retained the low antibody-binding capacity.

Animals↗

New hematopoietic differentiation antigens detected by anti-K562 monoclonal antibodies.

Following immunizations of BALB/c mice with K562 cells, we have obtained seven original monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs): (a) One MoAb, GA3, defines an antigen essentially restricted to the red cell series. This antigen is expressed on immature erythroblasts but is not detectable on the surface of early and late erythroid progenitors. GA3 MoAb immunoprecipitates a Mr 105,000 glycoprotein on K562 cells. (b) Two MoAbs, 14B6 and 12B1, react with cells of the monocytic series. MoAb 14B6, which also faintly stains platelets, is reactive with immature myeloid cells and the majority of hematopoietic progenitors. The 14B6 antigen has been immunoprecipitated from 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate treated K562 cells as a Mr 130,000-100,000 protein. Antigen 12B1 is expressed only on cultured monocyte/macrophages and is restricted to a subpopulation of monocytes and to follicular dendritic cells. It is not detected on hematopoietic progenitors. Immunoprecipitation experiments performed on 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate treated K562 cells revealed a glycoprotein with a molecular weight of 93,000-86,000. (c) Two anti-K562 MoAbs, CF4 and HE10, recognize a myeloid differentiation antigen expressed from the granulomonocytic colony forming unit stage to polymorphonuclear neutrophils. These MoAbs detect an apparently original glycolipid moiety distinct from LeX. (d) Two MoAbs recognize antigens expressed on the granulomonocytic series. 2E1 recognizes the monocyte low affinity Fc receptor (Mr 40,000) and defines a new cluster of myeloid differentiation (CDw32). The antigen is expressed on a small portion of immature hematopoietic progenitors. 8F5 identifies a Mr 95,000 protein which is also present on plasma cells. In some experiments, it is detected on erythroid colony forming unit analysis. Immunizations with K562 cells thus resulted in the production of antibodies recognizing antigens of the monocytic, granulocytic, as well as erythroid series. However, three of them are also detected on hematopoietic progenitors.

Animals↗

Isolation of a normal B cell subset with a Burkitt-like phenotype and transformation in vitro with Epstein-Barr virus.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is causally linked with endemic Burkitt's lymphoma (BL), a tumor whose homogeneous cell surface phenotype suggests derivation from a particular subset of activated germinal centre B cells in vivo. Endemic BL also shows an unusual form of EBV infection with down-regulation of certain of the virus latent proteins which are constitutively expressed when EBV infects and transforms normal resting B cells in vitro. Here we question whether this virus:cell interaction is unique to malignant BL cells or whether it might be reproduced by in vitro infection of those particular germinal centre cells displaying the BL-like phenotype. Firstly, we show by biochemical means that a subset of normal tonsillar B cells does indeed express the globotriaosylceramide glycolipid BLA and the common acute lymphoblastic leukaemia antigen CALLA, 2 important markers of the BL phenotype. Secondly, using 2-colour immunofluorescence labelling with anti-BLA and anti-CALLA monoclonal antibodies (MAbs), 4 subsets of low buoyant density tonsillar B cells (BLA+ CALLA+, BLA+ CALLA-, BLA- CALLA+, BLA- CALLA-) have been separated by means of a FACS and tested for their susceptibility to EBV-induced growth transformation in a limiting dilution assay. The BLA+ CALLA+ (i.e., BL-like) subset contained the highest proportion of cells already actively in cycle in vivo and gave the lowest yield of transformants, perhaps reflecting the greater efficiency with which EBV transforms resting target cells. Of the cell lines established from the BLA+ CALLA+ population, a significant number retained BLA expression but CALLA was always lost. In 2 further respects, these lines resembled conventional in vitro transformants rather than lines of BL type; thus the cells expressed cellular "activation" antigens (CD23, CD39, CD30, Ki-24) characteristic of the lymphoblastoid phenotype and contained the full spectrum of EBV latent proteins.

Antigens, Differentiation↗

Neuroectoderm-associated antigens on Ewing's sarcoma cell lines.

The histogenesis of Ewing's sarcoma, the second most frequent primary bone tumor in humans, remains controversial. Ten Ewing cell lines were analyzed by immunological methods. Surface antigens recognized on Ewing cells were found to be related to the neuroectoderm lineage. They included ganglioside GD2, a marker of neuroectodermal tissues and tumors, and an acidic glycolipid detected by monoclonal antibody HNK-1 in the nervous system. The P61 rat monoclonal antibody that reacts with a peptide moiety of neural cell adhesion molecule (N-CAM) and a rabbit antiserum raised to purified mouse N-CAM also stained Ewing cells. Flow cytometry analysis performed using these reagents allowed the definition of four distinct Ewing phenotypes: all reagents equally stained group 1 lines; group 2 lines were strongly reactive with anti-N-CAM reagents, by contrast with a fainter staining with HNK-1 and anti-GD2 antibodies; all reagents but P61 were strongly reactive with group 3 lines; in group 4, Ewing lines were stained by P61 but only poorly by the anti-N-CAM antiserum. Several antibodies to melanoma and neuroblastoma associated antigens including two monoclonal antibodies to the nerve growth factor receptor were also found to react with Ewing cells. By contrast, all antibodies detecting antigens specifically expressed in hematopoietic cell lineages were totally unreactive. HLA class II antigens were never detected while the level of expression of class I antigens varied to a large extent. Ewing cells are characterized by a specific t(11;22)(q23-24;q12) translocation also observed in neuroepithelioma, a neuroectodermal tumor. Thus, Ewing's sarcoma cells share antigenic and karyotypic features with derivatives of the neuroectoderm possibly indicating a related histogenesis.

Antigens, Neoplasm↗

Antitumor activity against L1210 mouse leukemia of immunotoxins containing a monoclonal antibody to the glycolipid globotriaosylceramide.

Since immunotoxin (IT) containing the antiglobotriaosylceramide monoclonal antibody was found to be cytotoxic in murine L1210 leukemia cells, its potential antitumor activity could be evaluated in animals using the L1210 model. In vitro, L1210 cells incubated IT before grafting in DBA/2 mice failed to induce leukemia. All tumor cells were neutralized by IT. In animals, a significant but limited therapeutic effect on leukemic mice was obtained when IT was injected i.p. shortly after L1210 cell grafting. In contrast, no toxic effect of IT was observed in non-leukemic mice at doses far above those used in our therapeutic treatment. The potentiation effect of chloroquine on IT was moderated when a cloning efficiency assay was used, but 70% of the mice grafted with in vitro chloroquine-treated L1210 cells were cured with IT treatment.

Animals↗

Phenotypic characterization of Ewing sarcoma cell lines with monoclonal antibodies.

The histogenesis of Ewing sarcoma, the second most frequent bone tumor in humans, remains controversial. Four Ewing cell lines were analyzed by immunological methods. A panel of antibodies directed to T, B, and myelomonocytic markers gave negative results. Surface antigens recognized on Ewing cells were found to be related to the neuroectoderm lineage. Ganglioside GD2, a marker of neuroectodermal tissues and tumors, was present on all lines. These were also stained by the mouse monoclonal antibody HNK-1, which detects a carbohydrate epitope present on several glycoconjugates of the nervous system, including two glycoproteins, the myelin-associated glycoprotein and the neural cell-adhesion molecule (N-CAM), and an acidic glycolipid of the peripheral nervous system. The P61 monoclonal antibody, which reacts with a peptide moiety of N-CAM, and a rabbit antiserum, raised to purified mouse N-CAM and not recognizing the HNK-1-defined epitope, were also reactive. By contrast, all antibodies specific for hematopoietic cell surface antigens were totally negative. Besides these antigenic features, Ewing sarcoma cells are characterized by a specific t(11;22)(q24;q12) translocation also observed in neuroepithelioma, a neuroectodermal tumor, suggesting a possible evolutionary related origin. The recent finding that the human N-CAM gene is located at the vicinity of the breakpoint on chromosome 11 indicates that it might be involved in genetic rearrangements occurring in this region.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Expression of Burkitt lymphoma-associated antigen (defined by the monoclonal antibody 38.13) on both normal and malignant germinal-centre B cells.

Monoclonal antibody 38.13 was raised against the Burkitt lymphoma cell line Daudi and has been previously shown to recognize a globotriaosylceramide (Pk) determinant expressed selectively on Burkitt and a few other B-cell lymphomas. We report here that 38.13 binds to a subset of normal B lymphocytes in germinal centres of secondary lymphoid follicles as well as to blood vessels. In malignant populations equivalent to various developmental compartments of the B-cell lineage, only those with a follicular phenotype express the Pk determinant at detectable levels. The expression of this tumour-associated antigen, in common with many others, is therefore regulated in concert with cell lineage and maturation status.

Animals↗

Induction of cell differentiation in Burkitt lymphoma lines. BLA: a glycolipid marker of B-cell differentiation.

We have previously described an MAb referred to as 38.13 which reacts with a glycolipid membrane antigen (named BLA) on Burkitt lymphoma (BL) lines. The BLA antigen and other B-cell differentiation markers have been studied on BL lines treated with sodium butyrate, agents from the phorbol-diester series (with or without differentiating properties) and teleocidin. With all differentiation inducers tested, expression of BLA as well as of surface IgM decreased on the induced cells whereas that of BI increased and that of HLA DR remained stable. No BL cells studied reacted with anti-IgD, with B2 or with LBI MAbs, either before or after induction. An EBV-negative line (BJAB) was compared to its Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-converted subline (BJAB/B95). Both EBV-positive and EBV-negative lines gave comparable results. These data demonstrate that BL cells could be moved along their differentiation pathway by chemical inducers and suggest that BLA represents a new glycolipid marker of early B-cell differentiation.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

A monoclonal antibody against a Burkitt lymphoma associated antigen has an anti-Pk red blood cell specificity.

The blood group specificity of a rat IgM monoclonal antibody (38-13) directed against most EBV-positive or -negative Burkitt's lymphoma was investigated. The target antigen was previously identified as the neutral glycolipid ceramide trihexoside (CTH), a substance which accumulates in red cells from very rare individuals of the Pk phenotype and which appears as a normal intermediate in the biosynthetic pathway of the P blood group antigen (globoside). The 38-13 antibody agglutinated Pk1 and Pk2 red cells at 4 degrees C with a very high titre but was inactive against native P1, P2 and p erythrocytes, although a very weak activity was noticed towards papain-treated P1 and P2 erythrocytes. These results were confirmed by an indirect radio-binding assay which also demonstrated that the 38-13 antibody reacted with lymphocytes, fibroblasts and EBV-positive lymphoblastoid cell lines derived from Pk1 and Pk2 individuals but not from other donors. These findings demonstrate that the 38-13 monoclonal antibody previously considered as specific of Burkitt cells could be routinely used as an anti-Pk blood group typing reagent. The mechanism of CTH accumulation in Burkitt cells and Pk red cells is probably different and might be associated respectively with the activation of an alpha-4-galactosyltransferase or the genetic blockage of a beta-3-N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase.

Animals↗

38.13: a monoclonal antibody directed against a Burkitt's lymphoma-associated antigen and its use as carrier for toxins.

We have previously described a monoclonal antibody, referred to as 38.13, reacting with most Burkitt's lymphoma (BL) derived lines, both with and without Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), but not reacting with EBV-positive lymphoblastoid cell lines (Wiels et al., 1981, 1982). The antibody reacted with 41 BL lines out of 57 tested. The target antigen, BLA, was shown to be a neutral glycolipid, identified as globotriaosylceramide (Gal alpha 1----4Gal beta 1----4 Glc beta 1----1 ceramide) (Nudelman et al., 1983). This substance is known as the blood group antigen Pk, a normal intermediate in the P-substance synthesis. The 38.13 antibody was covalently linked to either ricin-A chain or gelonin toxin, and its anti-BL specificity remained unaffected. Both immunotoxins were highly cytotoxic for cultured BL cells. The kinetics of the toxic effects of the immunotoxins on these cells appeared to be strikingly fast, since 50% protein synthesis inhibition was achieved after two hours' incubation. These kinetics are similar to those obtained with entire ricin, and clearly different from those observed when using immunotoxins directed against protein antigens (16-30 h). When longer incubation times are used, killing of apparently irrelevant targets was reproducibly observed. These data suggest the presence of a low number of antigenic sites on non-Burkitt cells. The detection of a low number of antigenic sites by immunotoxins directed towards such glycolipid antigens might not be a disadvantage, but might rather permit efficient and rapid killing of a wide variety of tumour cells.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Enzymatic and organizational difference in expression of a Burkitt lymphoma-associated antigen (globotriaosylceramide) in Burkitt lymphoma and lymphoblastoid cell lines.

In our previous study, a Burkitt lymphoma-associated antigen defined by a monoclonal antibody, designated 38.13, was characterized as globotriaosylceramide (Gb3, Gal alpha 1----4 Gal beta 1----4 Glc beta 1----1 Cer) (Nudelman, E., Kannagi, R., Hakomori, S., Parsons, M., Lipinski, M., Wiels, J., Fellous, M., and Tursz, T. (1983) Science (Wash. D.C.) 220, 509-511). Consequently, we have studied the enzymatic basis and organization of Gb3 expression in Burkitt as compared with non-Burkitt lymphoblastoid cell lines. Burkitt lymphoma cell lines (Ramos, Daudi, Put) were characterized by a high chemical quantity of Gb3, high enzyme activity for synthesis of Gb3 (UDP-Gal:LacCer alpha-galactosyltransferase), and a high degree of surface exposure of Gb3, as determined by galactose oxidase/NaB[3H]4 and by cytofluorometry with the monoclonal antibody to Gb3 (38.13). Non-Burkitt lymphoblastoid cell lines (Priess, Remb1, and ARH77) were characterized by the absence of Gb3 at the cell surface detected by cytofluorometry or cell-surface labeling. The cell lines Priess and Remb1 did not contain Gb3 and showed a low alpha-galactosyltransferase activity for Gb3 synthesis. However, the cell line ARH77, though it did not express Gb3 at the cell surface, was found to contain a large chemical quantity of Gb3 and a high level of alpha-galactosyltransferase activity for Gb3 synthesis. However, Gb3 of ARH77 cells was exposed by sialidase treatment, but not by protease treatment, although Gb3 itself was not sialylated. The crypticity of Gb3 in ARH77 cells could be associated with an adjacent sialosyl residue of a second glycoconjugate at the cell surface, in the same way as Gg3 in mouse lymphoma L5178 (Urdal, D. L., and Hakomori, S. (1983) J. Biol. Chem. 258, 6869-6874). Thus, the expression in Burkitt and non-Burkitt lymphoma is dependent on (i) Gb3 synthesis due to alpha-galactosyltransferase activity and (ii) membrane organization of Gb3, which may be controlled through interaction with the sialosyl residue of a second glycoconjugate.

Antigens, Neoplasm↗

[A monoclonal antibody, specific for Burkitt's lymphoma, is also a blood group Pk antibody].

We have previously described a monoclonal antibody, referred to as 38.13, reacting with most Burkitt's lymphoma (BL) derived lines, either containing the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) or not, but not reacting with EBV-positive lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCL). (PNAS 78: 6485, 1981; Int. J. Cancer 29: 653, 1982). The antibody reacted with 41 BL lines out of 57 tested so far. The target antigen. BLA, was shown to be a neutral glycolipid, identified as globotriaosylceramide (Gal alpha 1----4 Gal beta 1----4 Glc beta 1----1 Ceramide). This substance is known as Pk blood group antigen, a normal intermediate in the P substance synthesis. Pk antigen is detectable only on the erythrocytes of very rare individuals with the Pk phenotype. We showed that 38.13 antibody stained erythrocytes and fibroblasts from 2 Pk subjects, whereas it was unreactive with erythrocytes and fibroblasts of all the other individuals tested. The accumulation of globotriaosylceramide on BL cells could reflect some functional disturbance of the enzymes in the P substance synthesis pathway.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Properties of immunotoxins against a glycolipid antigen associated with Burkitt's lymphoma.

A monoclonal immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibody (38-13) which recognizes Burkitt's lymphoma (BL) cells, by reacting with the neutral glycolipid Gal alpha 1 leads to 4-Gal beta 1 leads to 4-Glc beta 1 leads to 1-ceramide, was recently characterized. This monoclonal IgM was coupled to either ricin A chain or gelonin. The two different immunotoxins obtained retained the apparent immunological specificity of 38-13 IgM, as shown by flow cytofluorometry analysis and complement-dependent cytotoxicity test. The BL Ramos cells and the apparently irrelevant Epstein-Barr virus-containing lymphoblastoid Priess cells were used as targets in in vitro assays of the cytotoxic properties of the two immunotoxins by measuring the inhibition of protein synthesis. Isolated ricin A chain, gelonin, and 38-13 IgM exhibited very low intrinsic cytotoxicity on both target cells. 38-13 ricin A chain and 38-13 gelonin conjugates exerted toxic effects on both target cells which were about 6000-fold and 3000-fold higher than uncoupled ricin A chain and gelonin, respectively. The toxicity of these conjugates almost reached that of intact ricin. On Ramos BL cells, the kinetics of action of the 38-13 ricin A chain conjugate was almost as fast as that of intact ricin, because 50% protein synthesis inhibition was reached after 3 hr. In contrast, the kinetics of action in the non-BL Priess was much slower (50% protein synthesis inhibition after 10 hr). An obviously irrelevant immunotoxin (anti-trinitrophenol IgM-ricin A chain) had no significant cytotoxic effect on BL Ramos and non-BL Priess cells. An excess of D-galactose was shown previously to inhibit the 38-13 IgM from binding to the reactive glycolipid antigen bearing a terminal galactose. An excess of D-galactose (0.1 M) inhibited the cytotoxic effect of the two 38-13 immunotoxins, whereas it did not prevent the cytotoxic effect of the anti-trinitrophenol immunotoxin on the same trinitrophenol labeled target cells. These data suggest that the cytotoxic effect observed with 38-13 immunotoxins on non-BL Priess cells was mediated through their binding to a very low number of antigenic sites undetectable by conventional immunological methods. The main characteristics of 38-13 immunotoxins appear to be their fast kinetics of action and the very low number of antigenic sites required for the expression of their toxic effects. These properties could be related to the glycolipid nature of the reacting antigen. Such glycolipid antigens would represent valuable targets for therapeutic use of immunotoxins.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Expression of the BLA antigen, defined by the monoclonal 38.13 antibody, on Burkitt lymphoma lines, lymphoblastoid cell lines, their hybrids and other B-cell lymphomas and leukemias.

The BLA expression of eight Burkitt lymphoma lines was high, whereas it was negative in four, including the two IgG producers tested. Most lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCL) of normal origin had only a low percentage of positive cells, not significantly above background, although a few had up to 30% positives. EBV conversion of the EBV-negative Burkitt lymphoma line Ramos destabilized the high BLA expression, leading to a decrease in the average number of positive cells in the majority of the converted sublines in parallel with considerable fluctuation in antigen expression within each subline. Our group has previously shown that EBV-conversion of Ramos cells can induce certain differentiation steps (Spira et al., 1981 a). EBV-converted sublines of another EBV-negative Burkitt lymphoma, BJAB, showed a much greater stability previously and remained unchanged with regard to BLA expression in our present experiments. Eight T-cell leukemias, three myeloid leukemia lines and two diffuse histiocytic lymphomas were negative for BLA, whereas two myeloma lines were 30-40% positive. A histiocytic tumor had marginal reactions. Hybrids derived from the fusion of high with low BLA-reactive parental lines showed all three possible patterns (high, intermediate and low), provided that B-cell lines were fused with each other. Fusion of two Burkitt lymphoma lines with the K562 erythroleukemia line led to the extinction of BLA expression, as well as to the eclipse of other B-cell markers. B-lymphoma and leukemia (CLL) cells harvested directly from the patient showed a heterogeneous reactivity pattern. Strong to intermediate BLA expression was found among CLL cells and in most histological groups of B-CLL lymphomas except the centroblastic group (3/3 negatives). IgG-expressing follicular lymphomas were less reactive than IgM +/- IgD lymphomas of the same group. Immunocytomas were also low-reactive. BLA can be thus expressed on a variety of B-cell neoplasms; the degree of its expression appears to be related to the stage of differentiation.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

A glycolipid antigen associated with Burkitt lymphoma defined by a monoclonal antibody.

The antigen defined by a rat monoclonal antibody directed to a Burkitt lymphoma cell line was identified as globotriaosylceramide [Gal alpha (1 leads to 4)-Gal beta (1 leads to 4)-Glc beta (1 leads to 1)-ceramide]. The antibody demonstrated a strict steric specificity since it did not react with globoisotriaosylceramide [Gal alpha (1 leads to 3)-Gal beta (1 leads to 4)-Glc beta (1 leads to 1)-ceramide], the positional isomer of the antigen associated with the Burkitt lymphoma. Chemical analysis of various Burkitt lymphoma cell lines revealed that the Burkitt lymphoma cells contained more than 100 times as much of the glycolipid antigen as was found in other human lymphoma and leukemia cell lines.

Animals↗

Common multigenic activation in different human neoplasias.

It was previously shown that a common multigenic component, designated as tumor-specific DNA (tsDNA), was transcriptionally active in human lymphoid neoplasias and only slightly active, if at all, in normal lymphoid cells, including the Priess cell line immortalized by Epstein-Barr virus. In the Burkitt lymphoma-derived Raji cell line, tsDNA corresponded to 2500-3000 distinct transcription units, arbitrarily defined as encoding mRNA chains of 1000 kds each. In the present study, radioactive Raji cell tsDNA was isolated by a recycling procedure which eliminates transcribed DNA sequences common to both the Raji cell and the Priess cell, and was used as a probe for homologous transcripts. The major part of this probe could be hybridized to RNAs from all the human neoplasias studied: cultured cell lines derived from leukemias, malignant lymphomas or sarcomas, leukemic cells or solid tumors (sarcomas and carcinomas) recovered from patients. In contrast, only a minor portion of Raji cell tsDNA could be hybridized to RNAs from non-malignant cells, normal human lymphoid cells or fibroblasts grown in culture, fetal and chorioplacental tissues. It is concluded that a common multigenic set is activated in a wide variety of, and perhaps in all, human neoplasias.

Burkitt Lymphoma↗