Western Blot Detection of Blood Group A and B Antigens

Epidemiologic studies have demonstrated an association between ABO blood group status and risk of hemorrhage and thrombosis. However, the mechanisms that govern this association are not fully understood. ABO blood type is defined by the presence of carbohydrate antigens termed the A, B, and H antigens. These antigens can be found attached to glycoproteins and glycolipids of red blood cells, platelets, and endothelial cells; they can also modify plasma coagulation factors. Despite the prevalence and clinical significance of ABH antigens, the repertoire of proteins that carry these blood group antigens is not well established. This knowledge gap limits our ability to understand the reason for the association between ABO blood group status and risk of hemorrhage or thrombosis. In an effort to narrow that gap, we describe a Western blot method that can be used to determine whether a protein carries the blood group A and/or B antigens.