A lectin immunosensor technique for determination of alpha(1)-acid glycoprotein fucosylation

The fucosylation of alpha (1)-acid glycoprotein (AGP), an acute-phase prote in, is known to change in association with inflammatory diseases. Thus, fuc osylation of AGP could be a potential diagnostic or prognostic marker. The change in fucosylation has previously been investigated using crossed affin oimmunoelectrophoresis, high-pa. anion exchange chromatography, and lectin ELISA. This study describes a surface plasmon resonance-based affinity bios ensor assay for quantification of the fucosylation of AGP. Diluted EDTA pla sma or serum was injected directly in a BIACORE 2000 biosensor. AGP was cap tured on the sensor surface using immobilized antibodies and a fucose-bindi ng lectin from Aleuria aurentia was then used for the detection of fucosyla tion. The feature of the biosensor makes it possible to determine both the amount of bound AGP and the amount of bound lectin. Using a calibration cur ve it was possible to obtain a fucosylation ratio that was independent of A GP concentration. The assay was validated against a lectin ELISA and used t o follow inflammation in patients with severe burns. (C) 2001 Academic Pres s.