Triple Role of T and Tn Antigens in Cancer: as Universal, Clonal Carcinoma Markers, in Cancer Cell Adhesion, and as Autoimmunogens

The lower level of natural anti‐thomsen‐friedenreich antigen (TFA) agglutinins in sera of patients with gastric cancer related to ABO(H) blood‐group phenotype

“…Springer and colleagues were the first to demonstrate the association of TFA with malignancy in man. They also showed that the expression of TFA in the majority of carcinomas, along with the appearance of cell-mediated immunity and the decline of natural anti-TFA antibodies, may be valuable markers for cancer diagnostics and monitoring (Springer et al, 1982;Springer, 1983). TFA was found to exist only on the surface of many carcinoma cells as an unmasked, i.e., desialylated, form.…”

“…Their level is fairly stable in an individual (Friedenreich, 1930;Springer et al, 1982), but appreciable and poorly understood variations exist between individuals. It has been shown that natural agglutinins for neuraminidase-treated erythrocytes (NRBC) are specific for TFA determinant, and that they are mainly of the IgM sub-class (Bray et al, 1981;Springer. 1983;Wolf et al, 1986).…”

Association ofHelicobacter pyloriGastric Infection with the Suppressed Thomsen-Friedenreich Antigen Natural Humoral Response

“…We may speculate that the level of these natural antibodies reflects to some extent the general imrnunocompetence, especially against resident intestinal microflora. Although the biologic significance of TFA natural antibodies is still not fully understood, a great deal of evidence exists concerning their role in the natural antitumor defense system (1,5,8).…”

“…The expression of Thomsen-Friedenreich antigen (TFA) in most human carcinomas and the decrease of TFA natural antibody level in sera of patients with cancer are wellestablished facts (1)(2)(3)(4)(5). The low TFA antibody titer is also associated with some premalignant disorders and with a worse prognosis in cancer patients (1,2,6,7).…”

“…The low TFA antibody titer is also associated with some premalignant disorders and with a worse prognosis in cancer patients (1,2,6,7). The TF hapten is a cryptic 0-linked disaccharide (PGal (1-3)dalNAc-0serine/threonine) found on human erythrocytes and epithelial, lymphoid, and some other cells, and mucins ( 1 , 2 , 4).…”