title: The monoclonal antibody-specific immobilization of erythrocyte antigens assay (MAIEA) in the investigation of human red-cell antigens and their associated membrane proteins.
abstract: The monoclonal antibody-specific immobilization of erythrocyte antigens (MAIEA) technique is an immunoassay devised primarily for locating blood group antigens on specific red-cell membrane proteins. The assay involves the incubation of intact red cells with two antibodies, one human alloantibody, the other a nonhuman antibody, usually a rodent monoclonal antibody, but polyclonal antibodies of rabbit origin have been utilized. For a positive result, both antibodies must bind to the same membrane protein. The red cells are lysed, the membrane solubilized and the trimolecular complex of two antibodies and membrane protein is captured in a well coated with goat antirodent (or rabbit) immunoglobulin. The immobilized complex is then detected by the use of peroxidase-conjugated goat antihuman (or rodent) immunoglobulin. Negative results, due to mutual blocking between the human and animal antibodies when their epitopes are close together on the same molecule, have permitted a degree of localization of epitopes on some proteins. This has been most effective in the mapping of Cromer blood group system antigens on the complement control protein domains of decay-accelerating factor (DAF, CD55), but has also proved informative in the clustering of antigens on the Lutheran and Kell glycoproteins. MAIEA is an effective tool for the identification of antibodies to Knops-system antigens on complement receptor 1 (CR1, CD35) in immunohaematology reference laboratories. These antibodies are clinically unimportant, but must be identified before they can be ignored for transfusion purposes.
authors.affiliation: Bristol Institute for Transfusion Sciences, UK.
authors.forename: A C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Petty
authors.forename: C A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Green
authors.forename: G L
authors.initials: GL
authors.lastname: Daniels
mesh_terms: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000918:Antibody Specificity; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007118:Immunoassay / Q000379:methods*; D007519:Isoantigens / Q000097:blood*; D008188:Lutheran Blood-Group System / Q000276:immunology; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000097:blood*
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D007519:Isoantigens; D008188:Lutheran Blood-Group System; D008565:Membrane Proteins