Characterization of Le(x), Le(y) and A Le(y) antigen determinants in KDN-containing O-linked glycan chains from Pleurodeles waltlii jelly coat eggs.

Novel acidic oligosaccharides were isolated in large amounts by reductive alkaline treatment of the jelly coat of Pleurodeles waltlii (Michah) eggs. The oligosaccharides were found to contain the newly described KDN as acidic monosaccharide and possess either the Le(x), Le(y) and A Le(y) antigenic determinants. Occurrence of Le(x) and Le(y) determinants previously recognized as tumor-associated antigen (TAA) demonstrates that mucins of lower animals may represent a rich and easily available source for preparing TAA. Moreover, it reinforces the hypothesis according to which TAA are evolution markers.