On the specificity of human anti-H antibodies

Anti-H antibodies from 2 homogeneous subgroups of H-deficient individuals (Bombay and Réunion phenotypes) were studied for their specificity with regard to synthetic H oligosaccharides. It appears that Bombay individuals synthesize large amounts of both anti-H type 2 and anti-H type 1 antibodies, whereas Réunion individuals may possess strong anti-H type 1 antibodies, but have only weak anti-H type 2 antibodies in their serum. This can be explained by the presence of small amounts of H-type 2 determinants on the erythrocytes of Réunion individuals contrasting with the complete lack of H determinants on the red cells of Bombay individuals.