N-glycolylneuraminic acid and N-acetylneuraminic acid define feline blood group A and B antigens.

Blood group incompatibility causes transfusion reactions and neonatal isoerythrolysis in cats. We investigated the molecular nature of the blood group antigens from cats that had blood type A, B, and AB erythrocytes. Naturally occurring anti-type B antibodies, Triticum vulgaris lectin, monoclonal antibody (MoAb) 32-27, and MoAb R-24 were used in agglutination tests, Western blots, and thin-layer chromatography (TLC) enzyme immunostaining. Type A erythrocytes had NeuGc-NeuGc-Galactose-Glucose-Ceramide ([NeuGc]2GD3) where NeuGc represents N-glycolylneuraminic acid, and NeuAc-NeuGc-GD3, where NeuAc represents N-acetylneuraminic acid, and may have [NeuGc]2 disialylparagloboside and NeuAc-NeuGc-disialylparagloboside. Type B erythrocytes only had [NeuAc]2GD3. Type AB erythrocytes had [NeuGc]2GD3, NeuAc-NeuGc-GD3, and [NeuAc]2GD3. Blood group antigens were also found on a 50-Kd membrane protein. We conclude that type B erythrocytes are characterized by [NeuAc]2GD3 as the only form of this ganglioside and the presence of NeuAc on a 50-Kd membrane protein. NeuGc is the major determinant of the A antigen; specifically, [NeuGc]2GD3 is the major glycolipid form. The A antigen is also present on a 50-Kd membrane protein.