Immune-mediated agglutination of cytoskeleton-free RBC microvesicles.
BACKGROUND: The factors contributing to RBC agglutination are complex. The RBC cytoskeleton's participation in and contribution to this phenomenon are difficult to separate from those of the plasma membrane. Immunoreactive, cytoskeleton-free, band 3-enriched microvesicles can be generated from normal RBCs. Band 3 has been defined as an important antigen in autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA). STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: RBC microvesicles devoid of major cytoskeletal proteins were generated and sensitized with eluates obtained from AIHA patients, DAT-positive blood donors, and antisera to common RBC antigens. Monoclonal anti-human IgG was added and agglutination was investigated. Autoantibody-specific binding was evaluated by employing (125)I protein A. RESULTS: RBC vesicle agglutination with a 4+ anti-human globulin score was obtained with 10 autoantibody eluates from AIHA patients and anti-D (3+), but not with eluates from 20 DAT-positive blood donors or antisera directed to eight other common RBC antigens. Microvesicles sensitized with AIHA eluates bound 67 to 167 times as much (125)I protein A radioactivity as did those incubated with buffered normal saline and 18 to 45 times more than vesicles incubated with normal serum. CONCLUSION: The major proteins of the RBC cytoskeleton are not required for supporting IgG immune-mediated agglutination of RBC microvesicles.