The in-house monoclonal antibody against γ-globin chain; Thal N/B, accurately measured F cells in SEA-α thalassemia 1 trait

The monoclonal antibody (mAb) against γ-globin chain clone Thal N/B was produced. It was aimed at measuring the quantity of HbF (α₂γ₂)-containing red blood cells or F cells by flow cytometry. However, it may cross-react with Hb Bart's (γ4) which is present in the SEA-α thalassemia 1 trait. We measured FC levels by flow cytometry using this in-house mAb for 100 blood samples. Prevalence of high FC trait in this cohort was 51%. Ten of 12 SEA-α thalassemia 1 trait were included in the 51% high FC individuals. Comparing FC levels in the 51 high FC individuals having and not having the SEA-α thalassemia 1 trait showed no difference of FC levels. It was concluded that Hb Bart's did not interfere with FC measurement by flow cytometry using the in-house Thal N/B mAb. Therefore, it can be used for measuring F cell levels in regions having a high prevalence of the SEA-α thalassemia 1 trait. The findings of this research should apply to other clones of anti-γ-globin chain mAb that are aimed for HbF/FC quantification.