Widely described antibody against α-galactose residues with broad cross-reactivity among different species. Useful for measuring the α-Gal epitope expression on cells, glycolipids and glycoproteins, characterization of hyperacute rejection (HAR) in organ and tissue transplantations and monitoring xenotransplantation experiments. The IgM isotype mimicks in vivo reactions and can be used for cytotoxicity assays for α-Gal specific pathways (addition or presence of complement necessary). Ideal as a high-throughput screening tool for inhibitors of antibody induced cytotoxicity.
Organ transplantation from pig to human result in HAR. Humans naturally produce large quantities of anti-α-Gal antibodies, which represent 1-3% of all circulating immunoglobulins and are produced by about 1% of all B cells. When pig organs or tissues are transplanted into the human body, the IgM isotype of anti-Gal binds to α-Gal epitopes, which causes activation of the complement cascade, resulting in cell lysis. This rapid activation of complement by anti-Gal IgM is an immunological barrier that poses the greatest risk of initiating HAR. The monoclonal antibody M86 to Galα1-3Gal epitopes developed by U. Galili, et al. is an essential tool in the study of human xenotransplantation and related research.