The expression of Lewis(a) and Lewis(b) antigens reflects changes in fucosylation between normal and neoplastic cervical squamous epithelium.

Antibodies against the carbohydrate antigens Lewisa (Lea) and Lewisb (Leb) allow further investigation into the changes in fucosylation of the glycocalyx occurring during the normal and neoplastic development of cervical squamous epithelium. Lea and Leb are expressed on a broad zone of suprabasal cells in normal cervical squamous mucosa often independent of individual Lewis gene and secretor status. A proportion of Lea is expressed in sialylated form. In cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, the progressive dedifferentiation of the squamous mucosa is mirrored by loss of both Lea and Leb expression. In invasive squamous carcinomas, Lea and Leb expression is seen only on cells in areas of differentiation. The expression of Lea and Leb in normal and neoplastic cervical squamous epithelium resembles that of the Lex antigen described by us previously. The structural similarity between these antigens is highlighted and evidence for a common functional role in maintaining the integrity of squamous mucosae is discussed.