Insights into the Structure and Function of Membrane Polypeptides Carrying Blood Group Antigens

Abstract

In recent years, advances in biochemistry and molecular genetics have contributed to establishing the structure of the genes and proteins from most of the 23 blood group systems presently known. Current investigations are focusing on genetic polymorphism analysis, tissue-specific expression, biological properties and structure-function relationships. On the basis of this information, the blood group antigens were tentatively classified into five functional categories: (i) transporters and channels, (ii) receptors for exogenous ligands, viruses, bacteria and parasites, (iii) adhesion molecules, (iv) enzymes and, (v) structural proteins. This review will focus on selected blood groups systems (RH, JK, FY, LU, LW, KEL and XK) which are representative of these classes of molecules, in order to illustrate how these studies may bring new information on common and variant phenotypes and for understanding both the mechanisms of tissue specific expression and the potential function of these antigens, particularly those expressed in nonerythroid lineage.

Importance of extended blood group genotyping in multiply transfused patients

“…However, caution in performing this test and interpreting the results must be exercised as the PCR-based amplification assays are prone to be contaminated and the genotype determination may not be associated with the antigen expression on the RBCs membrane. Such situations include the detection of genes with a silencing mutation in a location other than that being analysed (point mutation in the GATA box), a gene that is silenced by an alteration of a gene encoding protein with a modifying effect (Rhmod and Rhnull) or the failure to detect hybrid genes (particularly in the Rh and MN blood group systems) (Avent & Reid, 2000;Cartron et al, 1998;Cheng-Han Huang & Blumenfeld, 1995;Huang, 1997;Tournamille, Colin, Cartron, & Le Van Kim, 1995).…”

The role of chemokine receptors in acute lung allograft rejection

“…It was first identified as a red blood group antigen involved in transfusion reactions and was later shown to be a co-receptor for malaria parasites [13,[20][21][22]. Besides red blood cells, DARC is expressed on endothelial cells, notably on high endothelial cells, the site of lymphocyte recirculation [23].…”

Rare RHCE phenotypes in black individuals of Afro-Caribbean origin: identification and transfusion safety

“…Sera were also tested against Rh null and D--RBCs. Sera reacting with all common RBCs but not with D--and/or Rh null RBCs (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10) were evaluated after adsorption on DccEE RBCs. Other rare RBCs were tested (RH:Ϫ18 and ceMO) but were not available for each serum.…”

“…The RH locus is composed of 2 highly homologous genes: the RHD gene, encoding the D polypeptide; and the RHCE gene, encoding C or c together with either E or e polypeptides. [1][2][3] Besides the 5 major antigens (D, C, E, c, e), more than 50 Rh antigens, identified by the corresponding antibodies, are described. They are schematically divided into low-and highincidence antigens.…”