Sialyltetraosylceramide

Sialyltetraosylceramide is a tumor-associated glycosphingolipid, specifically a ganglioside, that is highly expressed on the surface of colorectal and other gastrointestinal tumor cells. It consists of a tetraosylceramide carbohydrate backbone terminated with a sialic acid residue. This antigen is found in approximately 80-90% of colorectal cancers across all clinical stages, as well as in esophageal, gastric, and endometrial tumors. In contrast, its expression in normal tissues is largely restricted to the large intestine, making it a promising target for selective cancer therapy. The monoclonal antibody SC104 and its humanized version CEP-37250 (KHK2804) specifically target this molecule. Interaction with these antibodies can directly induce tumor cell death through a unique mechanism of caspase-mediated apoptosis that does not require immune effector cells. Additionally, these antibodies can mediate cell killing via antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) and complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC). Sialyltetraosylceramide thus serves as both a diagnostic biomarker and a therapeutic target in the management of gastrointestinal malignancies.

Other names

Sialyl-tetraosylceramideSC104 antigenSialyl-Lc4CerSialyl-neolactotetraosylceramideSialyl-paraglobosideGlycosphingolipid antigen SC104Ganglioside sialyltetraosylceramide

Direct induction of apoptosis via caspase activation, antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), and complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC).