What Is Gb4?

Glycolipids of the globo series (Gb) refer to membrane-associated antigens, which are characterized by the presence of the galactose fragment α-D-Gal-(1→4)-β-DGal in their carbohydrate skeletons. Globo series glycolipids are widely found on the surface of a wide range of cells and are involved in a variety of physiological activities such as cellular recognition, which plays an important role in the life activities of the organism. Among them, Gb4, a globose glycolipid (GSL), is considered a stage-specific embryonic antigen (SSEA) and is highly expressed in embryogenesis and tumor tissues. The physiological functions of Gb4 can often be determined by the exogenous addition of various GSLs and the use of GSL-encapsulated latex beads. Based on the above features, Gb4 has also been widely applied to the development of vaccines.

Fig.1 Globo-series of tumor-associated antigens (R=ceramide). (Bosse, et al., 2002)

Tumor-Associated Gb4 Antigen Production Service at CD BioGlyco

Gb4 antigen is highly expressed in tumors. Therefore, exploring its production process plays a key role in Developing Tumor-Associated Vaccines. Currently, CD BioGlyco is proficient in the Production Process of Tumor-Associated Carbohydrate Globo Series Antigens and provides Gb4 antigen production services.

• Chemical synthesis

The chemical synthesis method is a well-established synthesis method. At CD BioGlyco, we utilize a liquid-phase linear synthesis method to synthesize Gb4 antigens. The key step in this method is the protection-deprotection operation. We only allow the moiety exposed to undergo a reaction.

• Enzymatic synthesis

CD BioGlyco synthesizes Gb4 by efficient regeneration of glycosyltransferase-conjugated sugar nucleotides.

• Cell factory method

This synthesis method is to use living microbial cells as a "processing plant", through genetic engineering to modify their metabolic pathways, and then form a highly efficient "assembly line production plant" to produce Gb4 antigen in large quantities.

In addition, based on the fact that the Gb4 antigen is highly expressed in tumors, we provide services to develop vaccines using Gb4 as the antigen. In this process, we also combine stabilizers, surfactants, diluents, and adjuvants to develop anti-tumor vaccines.

Fig.2 Synthesis and characterization of Gb4. (CD BioGlyco)

Applications

• Gb4 antigen is highly expressed in most tumors, and therefore Gb4 production can be applied to study processes such as tumor regeneration and metastasis.
• Gb4 antigen is specifically expressed in tumors and cancers, and therefore it can be applied in the development of tumor-associated globo antigens and vaccines.
• Gb4 antigen production services can be applied to develop the physiological functions of carbohydrate-associated antigens.

Advantages

• The services we provide cover both antigen production and vaccine development, which saves a lot of intermediate time for our clients.
• Our service team follows the trend of science and technology and updates the R&D technology in time.

CD BioGlyco is skilled in the production of globo series antigens, such as the production of Gb4 antigens. To learn more about our R&D services, please feel free to contact us.

Reference

1. Bosse, F.; et al. Linear synthesis of the tumor-associated carbohydrate antigens Globo-H, SSEA-3, and Gb3. J. Org. Chem. 2002, 67(19): 6659-6670.