PROGRESS TOWARD PREPARATION OF UNIVERSAL DONOR RED-CELLS

Coupling of an inert polymer to the surface of red cells was examined as a potential means of covering blood group antigens and producing ce lls that could serve as universal donor cells for transfusion. Effecti ve blockade of red cell antigens was achieved with N-hydroxysuccinimid e-activated esters of polyethylene glycol. It was possible to block al l antigens tested, but lower concentrations of reactants were required to block peptide-defined antigens than carbohydrate-defined antigens. Red cells remained intact after modification but were significantly d amaged. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of antigenic blockade of red cells, but there is a need to reduce damage during coupling rea ctions to produce viable red cells.