Blood Group Antigen Array

Description

Blood group antigens (BGAs) are a unique group of carbohydrate structures expressed on the red blood cells (erythrocytes) and tissues. Blood types are commonly categorized into A, B, AB, and O type, depending on the BGAs present on erythrocytes. Individuals of blood type A, B, and O express A, B, and H antigens and produce ABO antibodies against absent BGAs. These antibodies attack and rapidly destroy cells carrying the corresponding antigens to eliminate foreign cells. Therefore, routine blood typing is performed to prevent adverse transfusion or transplant rejections caused by ABO antibodies.

BGAs are also closely associated with developing various infectious diseases. The severity and susceptibility of individuals to a wide range of pathogens correlate with their blood group phenotypes. For example, the Norwalk virus, also known as winter vomiting disease, is a single-stranded RNA virus that mainly targets individuals with blood group O. In contrast, those with blood group B are less susceptible. While there is evidence that the BGAs and their respective antibodies correlate with the pathogenesis of many diseases, research in this area is currently scarce.

ZBiotech has developed a high-throughput microarray platform that allows researchers to screen the binding interactions of 21 BGA glycans simultaneously. This array allows researchers to evaluate the reactivity of antibodies and proteins to specific BGAs. It can be applied to determine the blood type, evaluate donor compatibility, and investigate the correlations of BGAs in disease conditions. The BGA glycan array provides high-throughput and reliable glycan-binding information with a simple assay format that only requires a small sample volume. Results can be obtained in only a few hours, making investigating BGA binding easy and efficient. The BGA glycan array can be customized to meet individual client needs. Assay services are available upon request.

Features

• BGAs from groups A, B, and H; type I to type VI and Di/Tri-saccharide;
• Unrivaled sensitivity and specificity;
• Simple assay format;
• Small sample volume;
• Customizable (select BGAs for a specific microarray format)
• Assay service available;

Applications

• Evaluate binding specificities of BGA-interacting proteins;
• Evaluate binding specificities of BGA-interacting antibodies;
• Study virus – BGA interactions;
• Study bacteria – BGA interactions;
• Study vesicle – BGA interactions;
• Study cell – BGA interactions;