title: Structure of antigens recognized by cold agglutinins.
abstract: At this time, three major groups of antigens recognized by cold agglutinins (CAs) are known: Iij antigens are defined by branched, linear, and branched and linear type 2 chains, respectively. They are protease- and sialidase-resistant. Whereas Ii antigens are developmentally regulated, j is expressed on newborn and adult erythrocytes in equal strength. The antigens of the Sia complex are biochemically related to the Iij antigens: they are sialylated type 2 chains. Consequently, they are protease resistant but sialidase-sensitive. Sia-l and Sia-b antigens are differentiation antigens, Sia-lb is not developmentally regulated. The structure of the Pr/Sa antigens is defined by the O-glycans of the glycophorins of the human red blood cell membrane. The immunodominant component is represented by N-acetyl-neuraminic acid. Therefore, Pr/Sa antigens are protease-sensitive. With one exception (Pra), the antigens of this complex are also sialidase-sensitive. They are not developmentally regulated.
authors.affiliation: Ruprecht-Karls-Universität, Institut für Immunologie, Heidelberg, Germany.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Stahl
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Roelcke
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000373:Agglutinins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000276:immunology*; D003450:Cryoglobulins; D000939:Epitopes / Q000737:chemistry / Q000276:immunology; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007519:Isoantigens / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D013329:Structure-Activity Relationship
chemical_list: D000373:Agglutinins; D003450:Cryoglobulins; D000939:Epitopes; D007519:Isoantigens; C029443:cold agglutinins