RAV12

RAV12 is a high affinity IgG1 chimeric antibody. RAAG12, the antigen target of RAV12 is a carbohydrate moiety whose expression is limited to primates. The structure of the RAV12 epitope is Galß 1-3GlcNacß 1-3Gal. Multiple RAV12 binding sites exist per sugar side-chain resulting in a very high apparent affinity and a nearly unmeasurable dissociation rate. Adenocarcinomas arising in breast, endometrial, ovarian, lung and prostate, display the RAA12 antigen to varying degrees. RAAG12 expression in normal tissues is generally limited to the apical membranes of certain epithelia of the GI track and the hepatobiliary system. Preclinical in vitro and in vivo experiments have suggested that RAV12 may have several anti-tumor activities, including direct cytotoxicity by a mechanism termed oncosis, antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, complement mediated cytotoxicity, and alterations of cell survivability through down regulation of growth factor receptors. Oncosis is a form of cell death, distinct from apoptosis, that is characterized by loss of membrane integrity, followed by cell and organellar swelling, and death.