Enzymatic conversion of blood group B, and AB red blood cells using an alpha-galactosidase with unique substrate specificities and kinetic properties

摘要

There is disclosed a strain of prokaryotic cell capable of expressing an ±-galactosidase for removing type B antigens from blood group B or AB reactive cells in blood products, wherein said ±-galactosidase has the following characteristics: (i) no less than 10% activity with blood group B oligosaccharides compared to simple ±-Gal monosaccharide derivatives, and (ii) active in red blood cell conversion of blood group B oligosaccharides at neutral pH.