Monoclonal antibody-specific immobilisation of erythrocyte antigens (MAIEA). A new technique to selectively determine antigenic sites on red cell membranes.

A new assay, the monoclonal antibody-immobilization of erythrocyte antigens (MAIEA) is described for the assignment of red cell antigens recognised by human allo-antisera, to particular membrane components of the red cell membrane. This technique detects tri-molecular complexes formed by the reaction of a human antibody and a mouse antibody with a particular red cell protein. A positive reaction, in an ELISA-type detection procedure, occurs if the epitopes recognised by the human and mouse antibodies are present on the same membrane component but different regions. The MAIEA assay has been developed to investigate blood group antigens and in this report its application to the study of the Lutheran, Yt and Kell blood group systems is described. The technique has been used to show that the Lu(a) and Lu3 antigens are carried on the Lutheran glycoprotein, Yta and Ytb on the enzyme acetylcholinesterase and K, k, Kpa and Kpb on the Kell glycoprotein.