Lex antigen is a glycolipid molecule that belongs to the group of blood group antigens and one of the tumor-associated antigens. The structure of the Lex antigen is Galβ1-4(Fucα1-3) GlcNAc, which consists of galactose (Gal), fucose (Fuc), and N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc). The expression of Lex antigen is associated with tumor development, metastasis, and the invasive properties of cancer cells, and thus has important biological and medical implications. CD BioGlyco has been focusing on Tumor-Associated Carbohydrate Vaccine Development for several years. We offer highly proficient tumor-associated Lex antigen production services with our Glyco™ Vaccine Development Platform. Below is an overview of the details of our services:
We prepare the monosaccharides and protecting groups needed to synthesize Lex antigen. Commonly used monosaccharides include N-acetyllactosamine and GlcNAc. The protecting groups we commonly use include benzyl, tetramethylphenylsilyl, and butanedioyl.
Firstly, we link the monosaccharide molecules through chemical reactions to gradually form the core structure of the Lex antigen. This process involves multi-step reactions such as glycosidic bond formation, removal of protecting groups, and introduction of new protecting groups. Subsequently, we introduce specific side chains to the core structure to complete the structure of the Lex antigen. Finally, these protecting groups are removed by appropriate reactions to obtain the final product.
We use appropriate analytical methods for product isolation, purification, and characterization.
Fig.1 The flowchart of Lex antigen production. (CD BioGlyco)
The overexpression of Lex antigen on cancer cells makes it a potential vaccine target, therefore we also provide Lex antigen-based anti-tumor vaccine development services.
DOI: 10.1002/chin.199034281
Abstract: In this article, the authors have efficiently synthesized glycolipid analogs of the Lex family by total synthesis. The steps and reaction conditions were described in detail in the article, and the target compounds were successfully synthesized by the designed chemical reaction sequence and optimized synthetic pathway. The synthesized compounds were characterized and validated, and their structures were confirmed to be identical to the natural products.
Method: The authors synthesized the target product based on two reaction paths. First, the core structure was synthesized in different ways and then the target compounds were synthesized using this structure. In the first step, the authors used different methods to synthesize the core structures. After reacting these core structures with suitable glycosidic and acyl-protecting groups, precursors of complex Lex family glycolipids were obtained. In the second step, the authors first reacted the complex precursors using two-stage activation and then prepared the final target compounds through a series of chemical reactions and isolation and purification steps.
Fig.2 Structures and retrosynthetic disconnections of the Lex family of glycosphingolipids. (Nicolaou, et al., 1990)
Tumor-associated Lex antigen is associated with a variety of tumors, including but not limited to breast, prostate, colorectal, ovarian, and gastric cancers.
Detection of tumor-associated Lex antigens is usually performed by using immunological methods such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunohistochemical staining, and flow cytometry. These assays can be performed by detecting the level of tumor-associated Lex antigens in blood, urine, tissue samples, or tumor specimens.
CD BioGlyco has achieved the successful synthesis of a range of intricate Tumor-Associated neolacto-series Antigen by multi-step procedures. With our expertise, we are fully capable of providing personalized tumor-associated Lex antigen services that meet the highest standards of quality for our clients. If you are looking for more information about our services, please feel free to contact us.
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