ganglioside-gm3-lactone and Melanoma

GM3-ganglioside is known to be involved in melanoma proliferation. In order to modulate metastatic-related events, we have functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with multiple copies of a GM3-lactone mimetic. The MWCNTs proved to guarantee the appropriate spatial arrangement of the mimetic allowing a stronger inhibition of migration and invasiveness of human melanoma (A375) cells compared to other multivalent constructs reported before. In addition, the effect of the multivalent tubular conjugate on the inhibition of specific tyrosine kinases, which are associated with the ganglioside complexes within the membrane domains, was demonstrated. Finally, the short-term fate of the conjugate was assessed, for the first time, by means of the 1H NMR relaxometry technique by exploiting the signal arising from the CNTs.

Topics: Antineoplastic Agents; Biomimetic Materials; Cell Line, Tumor; G(M3) Ganglioside; Humans; Melanoma; Models, Molecular; Molecular Conformation; Nanotubes, Carbon; Neoplasm Metastasis

A hydrolytically stable mimetic of the tumour antigen GM(3) lactone is used to decorate multivalent scaffolds. Two of them positively interfere on melanoma cell adhesion, migration and resistance to apoptosis (anoikis). Notably, their ability to hamper melanoma-cells adhesion and reduce the metastatic potential is enhanced when the two scaffolds, presenting a different shape, are used in combination.

Topics: Apoptosis; Biomimetic Materials; Cell Adhesion; Cell Movement; G(M3) Ganglioside; Humans; Melanoma

Immunotherapy of tumors and of melanoma in particular has a long history, and recently this therapeutic approach found a reliable scientific rationale. This biological therapy aims to teach the patient's immune system to recognize the antigens expressed on tumor cells and destroy them, leaving normal cells intact. The success of this therapy highly depends on the selection of target antigens that are essential for tumors growth and progression. The overexpression of GM(3) ganglioside 1 and especially the expression of its metabolite GM(3) lactone 2 characterize murine and human melanomas, playing an important role in tumor progression and making such self-antigens potential targets for the immunotherapy of these neoplasms. Although more immunogenic than its precursor, GM(3) lactone 2 is unsuitable to be used in immunotherapy as a melanoma-associated antigen (MAA) because it is unstable under physiological conditions. We designed and synthesized the hydrolytically stable mimetic 3, which is remarkably simpler than the native lactone 2; after conjugation of 3 to the protein carrier keyhole-limpet hemocyanin (KLH), the obtained glycoprotein 5 was used as the immunogen in vivo to successfully elicit specific antimelanoma antibodies. In fact, no appreciable binding to GM(1) was observed. Capitalizing on the stability and on the reduced structural complexity of mimetic 3, the immunostimulant 5 we report represents a new promising synthetic glycoconjugate for the immunotherapy of melanoma.

Topics: Animals; Antibodies; Antibody Specificity; Antigen-Antibody Reactions; Carbohydrate Conformation; Computer Simulation; G(M3) Ganglioside; Hemocyanins; Humans; Immunotherapy; Melanoma; Mice; Molecular Mimicry

We investigated the ability of GM3-lactone liposomes to induce anti-melanoma T cell responses in mice. GM3-lactone liposomes, like murine B16 melanoma cells, induced anti-melanoma cytotoxic T cells (CTL) and also suppressor T cells (Ts). A small dose of GM3-lactone (0.0003 micrograms/ml) was enough to generate CTL in the in vitro primary response, whereas relatively large amounts of the antigen (0.03-0.3 microgram/ml) were required for anti-melanoma Ts induction. As the epitope for anti-melanoma Ts is NeuAc but not NeuGc residue on GM3, and anti-melanoma CTL are effectively induced by either GM3(NeuAc) or GM3(NeuGc)-lactone liposomes, GM3(NeuGc)-lactone or GM3(NeuGc) liposomes have potent activity as an artificial melanoma antigen to induce anti-melanoma CTL in vitro.

Topics: Animals; Antigens, Neoplasm; Carbohydrate Sequence; G(M3) Ganglioside; Gangliosides; Liposomes; Melanoma; Mice; Mice, Inbred Strains; Molecular Sequence Data; T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory