Genetic Basis for Cellular Antigens
Without H substance (also known as H antigen or substance H), there is no way for additional sugar attachment to take place. Additional sugar attachment is necessary for the development of A and B antigenic activity. Therefore, without substance H there can be no A and B antigens developed. Once substance H is developed, the addition of the sugar N-acetylgalactosamine to the terminal position of the chain gives the molecule “A” antigenic activity.