N-Acetylneuraminic Acid (Neu5Ac) and N-Glycolylneuraminic Acid (Neu5Gc) are the two major forms of sialic acid found in mammals. Humans are unable to synthesize Neu5Gc due to a mutation in the gene encoding the enzyme responsible for Neu5Gc synthesis. Humans naturally possess antibodies against Neu5Gc glycan structures, and this is responsible for the immunogenicity of therapeutic proteins containing Neu5Gc glycan epitopes. Therefore, a method for the detection of Neu5Gc is required.
Figure 1. Anti-NeuGc Polyclonal Antibody reacts NeuGc but not NeuAc
Figure 2. Binding of Anti-NeuGc Antibody is inhibited by NeuGcα(2-3)Gal and NeuGcα(2-6)Gal
Figure 3. Detection of NeuGc in miniature pig granulocytes by flow cytometry