Minor tumor infiltrating B cells opened a door to reveal and eliminate cancer initiating cells in metastatic melanomas

Results We developed a methodology to select cancer initiating cells from fresh cancer cell cultures of malignant melanomas. Characteristic cell growth pattern, spheroid forming, CSC markers, like CD133, Nestin, ABCB5, CD20 and unique GD3 ganglioside expression were defined by immunofluorescence assay. Additionally tumor infiltrating B cells’ sialilated glycosphingolipid binding was defined by antibody phage display and immunglobulin repertoire analysis. Real Time PCR gene expression studies were done to reveal molecular parameters of regulatory mechanisms.