Phospholipid Dependence of Wr^b Antigen Expression in Human Erythrocyte Membranes

Abstract

Phospholipid depletion of human erythrocyte membranes by phospholipase A(2) modification markedly decreased binding of two monoclonal antibodies to the Wr^b (Wright) blood group determinant on glycophorin A. Binding of seven monoclonal antibodies to other glycophorin A determinants, including anti-M and anti-N, was unaffected by phospholipid depletion. These results indicate that Wr^b antigen expression is phospholipid-dependent in human erythrocyte membranes.