A monoclonal antibody directed against human glycosphingolipid GD2 with potential antineoplastic activity. Upon binding to the GD2 antigen, anti-GD2 monoclonal antibody hu14.18K322A triggers a host immune response against GD2-expressing tumor cells, which may result in tumor cell death. GD2, an O-acetylated disialoganglioside with expression in normal tissues restricted primarily to the cerebellum and peripheral nerves, is commonly expressed at high levels on tumors of neuroectodermal origins such as melanomas and neuroblastomas.