Identification of a galactose-like component of a chicken onco-developmental antigen

The chemical nature of one determinant (CFA 10) of a chicken onco-developmental antigen system was investigated using both chemical modification of cell surfaces and hapten inhibition. The presence of CFA 10 on pigeon RBC's is restricted both by the developmental status of the bird and by genetic segregation within the species. The involvement of a galactose-like structure with this determinant was suggested by the ability of alpha-galactosidase, sodium-m-periodate, and galactose oxidase to destroy CFA-10 activity. Other glycosidases including beta-galactosidase and proteolytic digestion failed to alter the antigenic determinant. Sugar inhibition assays using monospecific antisera against CFA 10 verified both the galactose-like specificity of the determinant and the possible significance of an alpha- vs. beta-internal linkage. It was possible to unmask cryptic CFA-10 sites on pigeon (10-) RBC's with use of specific glycosidases. While these cryptic sites also were susceptible to alpha-galactosidase, they may not be identical to the naturally exposed CFA 10 sites on pigeon (10+) RBC's. When pigeon (10-) RBC's were incubated in vitro with serum from 10+ pigeons, CFA 10 was detectable on the RBC surface. It is suggested that one mechanism of controlling the presence of CFA 10 on pigeon RBC's may be developmental changes in gene expression mediated through the serum environment.