Synthesis of ABO Histo-Blood Group Type V and VI Antigens*

Abstract

The ABO histo-blood group antigens have long been of interest to chemists, biochemists, and evolutionary biologists. However, to date, a complete synthesis of all ABO histo-blood group antigens has not been conducted, despite the potential for such a panel to provide a more detailed understanding of the biological roles of these glycan motifs. Here we report the chemical synthesis of the A, B, and H type V and VI antigens in multi-milligramme quantities as part of an overall goal to prepare all 18 A, B, and H antigens. The A and B type V and VI antigens were prepared with a 7-octen-1-yl linker, to enable future conjugation to a protein or solid support. The H type V and VI antigens were prepared as the octyl glycoside, to facilitate detailed enzyme kinetics studies.