SSEA-4 Antigen

**Semantic type:** Immunologic Factor|Organic Chemical

**Definition:** A ganglioside comprised of a glycosphingolipid (GSL) containing a terminal sialic acid residue (N-acetylneuraminic acid) that is synthesized by the enzyme ST3 beta-galactoside alpha-2,3-sialyltransferase 2 (ST3GAL2). This epitope is expressed on the surface of human embryonic stem cells and human embryonic germ cells. Its expression is turned off once these cells differentiate during development. Reactivation of expression is found on the surface of embryonal carcinoma cells.

**Synonyms:** - SSEA-4 - SSEA4 - Stage Specific Embryonic Antigen 4 - Stage-Specific Embryonic Antigen 4