Blood Groups in Infection and Host Susceptibility

Abstract

SUMMARY Blood group antigens represent polymorphic traits inherited among individuals and populations. At present, there are 34 recognized human blood groups and hundreds of individual blood group antigens and alleles. Differences in blood group antigen expression can increase or decrease host susceptibility to many infections. Blood groups can play a direct role in infection by serving as receptors and/or coreceptors for microorganisms, parasites, and viruses. In addition, many blood group antigens facilitate intracellular uptake, signal transduction, or adhesion through the organization of membrane microdomains. Several blood groups can modify the innate immune response to infection. Several distinct phenotypes associated with increased host resistance to malaria are overrepresented in populations living in areas where malaria is endemic, as a result of evolutionary pressures. Microorganisms can also stimulate antibodies against blood group antigens, including ABO, T, and Kell. Finally, there is a symbiotic relationship between blood group expression and maturation of the gastrointestinal microbiome.

Porcine Rotaviruses: Epidemiology, Immune Responses and Control Strategies

“…Similar polymorphic HBGAs are also observed in many animals, including pigs (A and H antigens) [163]. The latter may provide an explanation why RVA strains of the P[6] genotype (that recognize H antigen) are commonly found in and transmitted between humans and pigs in different countries, while P[19] strains in humans of potential porcine origin appear to be restricted to India, Asian and African countries coinciding with distinct polymorphisms in Lewis antigens associated with Caucasian and other populations [164]. …”

Effect of blood type on anti-α-Gal immunity and the incidence of infectious diseases

“…1 The blood type O results from the homozygous inheritance of two null ABO alleles and individuals in this group express the antigen H, the precursor of blood types A and B 1 . The ABH antigens are carbohydrates attached to glycosphingolipids and glycoproteins.…”

Structural diversity and biological importance of ABO, H, Lewis and secretor histo-blood group carbohydrates

“…Evidence supports the proposition that ABO, H, Lewis and secretor histo-blood group carbohydrates are related to susceptibility and resistance to infections and infectious diseases 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. Experimental analyzes have clarified the biochemical and molecular basis underlying some of these relationships 10, 11, 12.…”

“…These effects influence susceptibility to infections, since these carbohydrates act as receptors for microorganisms or other substances (toxins, allergens, etc.) 9 . Therefore these biological events represent a vast field for medical research and technologies.…”