Sia-b1 and I antigens recognized by Mycoplasma pneumoniae-induced human cold agglutinins

Postinfection cold agglutinins (CAs) with anti-Sia-b1 (i.e., anti-Sialo-branched) specificity frequently occurring together with anti-I CAs recognize antigenic determinants that are present on Oh red cells and are partially destroyed by endo-beta-galactosidase on the red cell surface. They differ markedly from the monoclonal anti-Sia-b1 FI CA, which recognizes an epitope not expressed on Oh cells, and resistant to the enzyme. On the other side, Sia-b1 determinants reacting with postinfection CAs share the characteristics of I determinants, with the exception that Sia-b1 determinants require sialyl groups as an immunodominant component. Five sera containing coexisting anti-Sia-b1 and anti-I CAs were tested against Oh and enzyme-treated group O red cells. The results are consistent with a postinfection autoimmune response against a sialo-type 2 structure common for Sia-b1 and I determinants, which could serve as a receptor for Mycoplasma pneumoniae.