Tn Antigen

Full Name

Tn antigen

Keywords

Tn; GalNAca1-Ser/Thr; CD175

Background

Aberrant glycosylation is a hallmark of cancer cells. The blood group precursors T (Thomsen-Friedenreich) and Tn epitopes are shielded in healthy and benign-diseased tissues but uncovered in approximately 90% of carcinomas. T and Tn glycoproteins are specific, autoimmunogenic pancarcinoma antigens. These antigens may also be found in neoplastic blood cells. Fundamental, chemical and physical aspects of these glycoproteins of primary carcinomas are discussed first. Tn and T epitopes are cell and tissue adhesion molecules, essential in invasion by and metastasis of carcinoma which includes adherent and proliferative phases. Immunohistochemical studies of the extent of Tn antigen expression in primamry breast carcinoma demonstrate its highly significant correlation with clinical pathological tumor stages, and hence its value as a reliable prognisticator.