Blood Group Antigen A [3-3A]

This antibody preferably reacts with determinants of chain A and H type 3Ā(Gal1-3GalNAc-R) and 4 (Gal1-3GalNAc-R), but not with type 1 and 2 chain structures. It is not reactive with immuno-dominant A trisaccharide. This antibody is applicable for tissue staining in tumor patients with blood groups A and AB. It shows a highly heterogeneous reactivity in human colon tumor tissue and adjacent mucosa. Blood-group antigens are generally defined as molecules formed by sequential addition of saccharides to the carbohydrate side chains of lipids and proteins detected on erythrocytes and certain epithelial cells. The A, B and H antigens are reported to undergo modulation during malignant cellular transformation. Blood group related antigens represent a group of carbohydrate determinants carried on both glycolipids and glycoproteins. They are usually mucin-type, and are detected on erythrocytes, certain epithelial cells, and in secretions of certain individuals. Sixteen genetically and biosynthetically distinct but inter-related specificities belong to this group of antigens, including A, B, H, Lewis A, Lewis B, Lewis X, Lewis Y, and precursor type 1 chain antigens