Ganglioside GD2 (GD2) (GD2)

Ganglioside GD2 is a sialic acid-containing glycosphingolipid primarily expressed on the outer leaflet of the plasma membrane [Frontiers in Oncology]. In healthy individuals, its expression is highly restricted to the central nervous system, peripheral nerves, and skin melanocytes [EMA: Qarziba SmPC, NCI Drug Dictionary]. However, GD2 is overexpressed in several tumors of neuroectodermal origin, including neuroblastoma, melanoma, and osteosarcoma, where it plays a role in mediating cell-to-cell adhesion and signal transduction pathways that promote tumor progression [Frontiers in Oncology]. Therapeutic strategies targeting GD2, such as the monoclonal antibody dinutuximab beta, utilize antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) and complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) to induce apoptosis in malignant cells [EMA: Qarziba SmPC, Journal of Clinical Oncology]. The clinical utility of GD2-targeted therapies is well-established in high-risk neuroblastoma, although the treatment is frequently associated with intense neuropathic pain due to the antigen's presence on myelin-forming cells and peripheral nerves [EMA: Qarziba SmPC].

Other names

Disialoganglioside GD2GD2 gangliosideNeu5Ac(alpha2-8)Neu5Ac(alpha2-3)(GalNAc(beta1-4))Gal(beta1-4)Glc(beta1-1)Cer

Monoclonal antibodies bind to the GD2 antigen on the surface of tumor cells, inducing cell death through antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) and complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) [EMA: Qarziba SmPC, Journal of Clinical Oncology].