Analysis of human serum antibody-carbohydrate interaction using biosensor based on surface plasmon resonance

Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) was used to monitor the interaction of alphaGal-antibodies from human blood group O serum with linear blood group B-saccharides, employing Galalpha1-3Galbeta1-4GlcNAc-HSA immobilised on a sensor chip surface. Strong binding of antibodies, as evident from high relative response values exceeding 200 RU, was observed. The interaction was influenced by the nature of the oligosaccharide that was added to the antibody sample prior to measurement. For example, the addition of either of the linear B-saccharides Galalpha1-3Gal and Galalpha1-3Galbeta1-4GlcNAc produced complete inhibition of antibody binding to the sensor surface, whereas the addition of the related but non-specific blood group A saccharide, GalNAcalpha1-3(Fucalpha1-2)Gal, had little effect on binding. The technique was used for the rapid monitoring of the removal of alphaGal-antibodies from human serum by affinity columns, which contained either Galalpha1-3Gal or Galalpha1-3Galbeta1-4GlcNAc as ligand. The above carbohydrates are currently evaluated as inhibitors or as affinity ligands, in the prevention of hyperacute rejection during xenotransplantation.