Sialyl-Tn (STn) Antigen Production Service at CD BioGlyco

The core protein of the STn antigen is usually a membrane glycoprotein that carries a glycan chain structure. The glycan chain consists mainly of a single N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc) residue, which is usually attached to a serine residue of the protein. The addition of this GalNAc residue is usually catalyzed by the ST6GalNAc-I enzyme encoded by the squamous epithelial cell-specific antigen gene (ST6GALNAC1). CD BioGlyco has been specializing in Carbohydrate-based Vaccine Development for several years, in which we are highly skilled in the production of Tumor-Associated Glycopeptide Antigens and Glycolipid Antigens. Our professional STn antigen production services are highly regarded by our clients, and our services cover more than just the following points.

• Chemical synthesis of STn antigen
  • First, we determine the required amino acid sequence based on the sequence of the STn antigen. The functional groups of the amino acids are then protected by selecting appropriate protecting groups as needed to control the position and selectivity of the reaction.
  • The target peptide chain is synthesized step-by-step using solid-phase synthesis or liquid-phase synthesis methods by adding amino acids with protecting groups one by one. GalNAc residues are then introduced at specific sites in the synthesized peptide chain.
  • Finally, we purify and characterize the product after the removal of the protecting group from the peptide chain.
• Biosynthesis of STn antigen
  • First, we select a cell system that can express the squamous epithelial cell-specific antigen (ST6GalNAc-I) enzyme, and our commonly used cell systems include mammalian cells, insect cells, and yeast. The target cells are then transfected or transformed into cells expressing the ST6GalNAc-I enzyme.
  • Then we adjust the composition of the medium, incubation temperature, incubation time, and other factors to maximize the high expression of the target protein.
  • Finally, we use methods such as immunohistochemistry to verify the expression of the STn antigen in the target cells. Then, purify the target proteins by using protein purification techniques.

We also incorporate STn antigen into our vaccine designs to fully utilize it as an important component to provide you with the subsequent cancer vaccine development service.

Fig.1 Flowchart of chemical synthesis of STn antigen. (CD BioGlyco)

Applications

• The STn antigen can be used as one of the tumor markers for early screening and monitoring of tumors.
• The synthesized STn antigen can be used in immunological studies, such as for in vitro immune cell experiments, antibody specificity detection, and studies of immune response mechanisms.
• Our strategy can be used to develop antibodies or vaccines against the antigen by using the synthesized STn antigen to immunize animals.

Highlights

• We achieve flexible control of the structure of the STn antigen by adjusting the synthesis strategy and introducing different modifications or linkages.
• Our method normally allows us to obtain a large number of products in a relatively short period, which is convenient for large-scale applications or research.

Fig.2 Biosynthesis of the STn antigen in cancer cells. (Munkley, 2016)

CD BioGlyco is a renowned biotechnology company with several years of expertise in glycobiology. With the help of our team of experts in the field, we have developed an advanced Glyco™ Vaccine Development Platform that offers reliable support to our client's projects. If you require additional information, please feel free to contact us.

Reference

1. Munkley, J. The role of sialyl-Tn in cancer. International journal of molecular sciences. 2016, 17(3): 275.