Cell cycle arrest and apoptosis induced by O-acetyl-GD2-specific monoclonal antibody 8B6 inhibits tumor growth in vitro and in vivo.

O-Acetyl-GD2 ganglioside is suitable antigen for tumor immunotherapy with specific therapeutic antibody. Here, we investigate the anti-tumor activity of O-acetyl-GD2-specific monoclonal antibody 8B6 on O-acetyl-GD2-positive tumor cells. The results indicated that mAb 8B6 induced growth inhibition of O-acetyl-GD2-expressing tumor cell lines in vitro with features of cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Monoclonal antibody 8B6 treatment was also very effective in suppression of tumor growth in mice by reducing the proliferation index and increasing the apoptotic index. Such a study represents a useful framework to optimize immunotherapy with O-acetyl-GD2-specific antibody in combination with chemotherapeutic agents.