Characterization of the Ss sialoglycoprotein and its antigens in Rhnull erythrocytes

The Ss sialoglycoprotein (glycophorin B) and its antigens in Rhnull erythrocytes, which lack the Rhesus blood group antigens, due to apparently silent (amorphic type) or independent suppressor (regulator type) genes, were investigated. The quantity of the molecule in amorphic and in regulator type red cell membranes was found to be decreased by about 60%-70%, as judged from sodium-dodecylsulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The Ss glycoprotein content in the erythrocytes from heterozygotes (regulator type) was diminished to an extent of about 30%. Confirming and extending previous studies, the S, s, Ux, Uz and 'N' antigens were slightly weakened in Rhnull erythrocytes. The U and Duclos receptors were only slightly or not depressed in amorphic Rhnull cells, but almost absent from or not detectable in those of the regulator type. This demonstrates that an additional alteration, apart from the decreased Ss glycoprotein content of the membranes, accounts for the weakness of these receptors in regulator type cells. We propose the hypothesis that (a) protein(s) encoded by the Rhesus locus form(s) a complex with the Ss glycoprotein. Thus, it (they) might facilitate the incorporation of the Ss glycoprotein into the membrane and also contribute to the complete expression of the U and Duclos antigens in normal cells.