Detection of anti-Lea in Le(a-b+) individuals by kinetic ELISA.

Utilizing a kinetic enzyme-linked antiglobulin binding assay, eight examples of anti-Lea were detected in individuals whose Lewis phenotype is Le(a-b+). These antibodies were not detectable by routine hemagglutination techniques, but were indistinguishable from anti-Lea made by Le(a-b-) individuals in terms of their immunologic fine specificity. However, unlike most anti-Lea antibodies from Le(a-b-) individuals, none of the anti-Lea antibodies had an IgG component. Anti-Lea antibodies in Le(a-b+) individuals may represent immune responses on the continuum between autoimmunity and alloimmunity.