Solubilization of cell-membrane-antigen and its coupling to fixed and non-fixed erythrocytes

Human type-A erythrocytes were lysed and solubilized with 0.3% sodium deoxy cholate (DOC). The solubilized membranes were coated onto human type-O glutaraldehyde fixed erythrocytes. The coated erythrocytes were found to agglutinate specifically by anti-A antibodies. Furthermore, solubilized membranes could be successfully coated to non-fixed erythrocytes after dialysing out the DOC. Quantitative absorption assays showed that the density of type-A blood group antigen on the coated erythrocytes was higher than the density of this antigen on human type-A erythrocytes. Erythrocytes that are coated with cell membrane antigens can be used to assess specific antibody titres and also can be applied for a sensitive selection and separation of rosetting lymphocytes that secrete specific antibodies against these antigens.