ganglioside GD2

Gangliosides are a group of galactose-containing cerebrosides found in the surface membranes of nerve cells. Ganglioside GD2 is a disialoganglioside expressed on tumors of neuroectodermal origin, including human neuroblastoma and melanoma, with highly restricted expression on normal tissues, principally to the cerebellum and peripheral nerves in humans. GD2 is a suitable target for immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies or with artificial T cell receptors due to its relatively tumor specific expression.