In this study beta 1-3 linked analogues of the T-antigen determinant were sythesized in preparative scale by transgalactosylation using beta-galactosidase from bovine testes to give synthetic antigens. Accepters with modifications of the sugar residue such as alpha-glycosylated spacers, as well as GlcNAc-alpha OR- and 2dGal-alpha OR-substrates opened further possibilities for galactosylation. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.