Characterization and Exploitation of Antibody to the Tumor Antigen TF-Ag and Peptide Mimics of TF-Ag to Develop Improved Tumor Immunotherapies

In vitro and in vivo experiments using JAA-F11 antibody to TF-Ag demonstrated decreased tumor cell growth, blocked adhesion between tumor cells and endothelial cells, and prolonged survival and decreased number of lung metastases in passively treated mice. In vitro experiments using JAA-F11 antibody to TF-Ag, rabbit antibody to TF-Ag, and peanut lectin confirmed mimicry of TF-Ag by peptides and In vitro model systems demonstrated peptide mimics blocked rolling and stable adhesion of tumor cells to vascular endothelium. in vivo experiments utilized linear and multiple antigenic peptides for immunizations and serum analysis by ELISA for TF-Ag-reactive antibody production. Molecular modeling of peptide mimics and JAA-F11 revealed molecular details of the possible binding interactions. This approach could be used to decrease the primary and metastatic tumor burden in cancer patients by specifically targeting TF-Ag positive cancer cells and aid in blocking new tumor formation, as well as prime the immune system for future recurrence of the disease.