IMMUNOCHEMICAL ASPECTS OF THE MNSs‐BLOOD GROUP SYSTEM

Abstract

SUMMARY Experimental data are discussed which indicate that one alkali‐labile tetrasaccharide present on each MN‐glycoprotein subunit is part of the M‐ and N‐antigen receptor site. It is concluded therefore that the difference between M‐ and N‐antigens resides in the amino acid sequence of the glycoprotein. Based on the different topographical distribution of the MNSs‐receptors within the membrane an explanation for the cross‐reaction of anti‐N reagents with ordinary M‐erythrocytes is proposed.