# IDIOTYPIC NETWORK IN MELANOMA

> **NIH NIH R01** · NEW YORK MEDICAL COLLEGE · 1992 · $169,425

## Abstract

The long range goal of this proposal is to characterize the molecular and
functional properties of monoclonal antibodies (MoAb) elicited by
antiidiotypic MoAb which bear the internal image of human high molecular
weight-melanoma associated antigen (HMW-MAA) and GD3 ganglioside.  The
latter two antigens are being used as targets for immunotherapy in patients
with melanoma.  The outlined studies will take advantage of a unique panel
of antiidiotypic and antiantiidiotypic MoAb elicited during the previous
grant period.  We will analyze the genetic control of the humoral anti HMW-
MAA immune response elicited y the antiidiotypic MoAb elicited with MoAb
MK2-23 which bears the internal image of HMW-MAA.  This information may
suggest criteria to select patients who are likely to mount an anti HMW-MAA
immune response following immunization with MoAb MK2-23.  We will define
the molecular basis of the specificity of antiantiidiotypic MoAb elicited
with MoAb MK2-23 by correlating their antigen binding activity with the
sequence of the variable regions of their heavy and light chains.
Sequences may be identified which are potentially important for HMW-MAA
binding activity of MoAb.  We will humanize the mouse antiidiotypic MoAb
MK2-23, which is being used as an immunogen in clinical trials, to overcome
the problem of the formation of antimouse Ig antibodies.  We will analyze
the immunogenicity of humanized MoAb MK2-23, since this information will be
useful to optimize the immunization schedule in patients with melanoma.  We
will characterize antiidiotypic MoAb elicited with the anti GD2 ganglioside
MoAb MB3.6 and we will identify those which bear the internal image of CD3
ganglioside.  We will correlate the sequences of the variable regions of
the heavy and light chains of antiidiotypic MoAb with their immunogenic
properties to define the structure-function relationship of these
molecules.  Lastly, we will determine the ability of antiidiotypic MoAb to
modulate the immune lysis of melanoma cells mediated by anti GD3
ganglioside antibodies.  the outlined studies will provide for the first
time information about the structural and functional characteristics of the
idiotype cascade in the HMW-MAA and in the GD3 ganglioside systems.
Furthermore, the potential role of the idiotypic network in the effect of
anti GD3 ganglioside immunity on the course of the disease will be
characterized.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3175932
- **Project number:** 2R01CA037959-09A1
- **Recipient organization:** NEW YORK MEDICAL COLLEGE
- **SAM.gov UEI:** WK63UJ11C2H7
- **Principal Investigator:** SOLDANO FERRONE
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1992
- **Award amount:** $169,425
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 1983-12-01 → 1997-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3175932

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3175932, IDIOTYPIC NETWORK IN MELANOMA (2R01CA037959-09A1). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3175932. Licensed CC0.

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