Identification and Isolation of Lewis Blood Group Antigens from Human Saliva Using Monoclonal Antibodies

Solid-phase radioimmunoassay, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and thin-layer chromatography were used to compare, identify, and characterize the Lewis antigens from human salivas, using monoclonal antibodies directed to the Le^a and Le^b determinants. Sialylated Le^a glycolipid was detected in saliva from individuals with Le(a+b+) and Le(a+b-) phenotypes. Immunoaffinity chromatography of the saliva from individuals with different phenotypes revealed a glycoprotein of molecular weight greater than 200 kD bearing the Lewis antigenic determinants.