Engineered Platforms for Molecular Characterization of Human ABO Blood Type Antigens

Abstract

The most prevalent typing procedures are based on the overly simplified characterization of erythrocyte membrane antigens into the commonly known ABO blood group system. Numerous subgroups of ABO have been described that reflect natural heterogeneity within the system. These variations cannot be accurately detected by current typing methods that rely on agglutination techniques. There is a need to deepen our understanding and characterize the natural variations of these antigens with implications in transfusion and transplant medicine. This collaborative project focuses on characterizing the ABO antigens on a genetic, phenotypic and structural level. To facilitate this process, the carbohydrate antigens are isolated via enzymatic methods and their reactivity is studied through biochemical qualitative and quantitative assays. Released glycans will be structurally analyzed using LC-MS and derivatized on silicon photonics platform for the development of more accurate blood typing diagnostics.