Tumor-associated carbohydrate antigen Globo H (Globo H)

Tumor-associated carbohydrate antigen Globo H is a glycosphingolipid consisting of a specific hexasaccharide structure (Fucα(1-2)Galβ(1-3)GalNAcβ(1-3)Galα(1-4)Galβ(1-4)Glcβ(1)) linked to a ceramide backbone[1]. It is overexpressed on the outer membrane of numerous epithelial cancer cells—including breast, prostate, pancreas, ovary, stomach, small-cell lung, endometrium, and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma—while being essentially absent from most normal tissues[1][6][7]. This selective expression makes Globo H a promising target for immunotherapeutic strategies, such as cancer vaccines and antibody–drug conjugates[3][6][8]. Globo H contributes to tumor cell immune evasion and may serve as a cell-surface ligand for endogenous human ribonucleases involved in cytotoxic responses[4][5]. Its unique distribution and biological relevance have led to the clinical development of Globo H–directed therapies, several of which are currently under investigation for multiple solid tumor indications.

Other names

Globo H antigenglobohexaosylceramideGlobo H–ceramidetumor-associated carbohydrate antigen Globo H

Vaccine-induced immune response: Antibody-mediated targeting and destruction of Globo H–expressing tumor cells Antibody–drug conjugates: Antibody binds Globo H on tumor cells, delivering cytotoxic payload Immune modulation: Potential presentation to immune cells and recruitment of natural killer (NK) cells[6][3][8]