Tissue distribution of histo‐blood group antigens.

Abstract

The introduction of immunohistochemical techniques and monoclonal antibodies to specific carbohydrate epitopes has made it possible to study in detail the tissue distribution of histo-blood group antigens and related carbohydrate structures. The present paper summarizes the available data concerning the histological distribution of histo-blood group antigens and their precursor structures in normal human tissues. Studies performed have concentrated on carbohydrate antigens related to the ABO, Lewis, and TTn blood group systems, i.e. histo-blood group antigens carried by type 1, 2, and 3 chain carrier carbohydrate chains. Histo-blood group antigens are found in most epithelial tissues. Meanwhile, several factors influence the type, the amount, and the histological distribution of histoblood group antigens, i.e. the ABO, Lewis, and saliva-secretor type of the individual, and the cell- and tissue type. Oligosaccharides with blood-group specificity are synthesized by the stepwise action of specific gene-encoded glycosyltransferases. In general, this stepwise synthesis of histo-blood group antigens correlates with cellular differentiation. The H and the Se genes both encode an al-2fucosyltransferase, which is responsible for the synthesis of blood group antigen H from precursor disaccharides. A new model for the participation of the Se/H-gene-encoded glycosyl transferases in synthesis of terminal histo-blood group antigens in human tissues is proposed; the type and degree of differentiation rather than the embryologic origin determines whether it is the H or the Se gene-encoded transferases that influence expression of terminal histo-blood group antigens in tissues.

Glycoprotein B7-H3 overexpression and aberrant glycosylation in oral cancer and immune response

“…The loss of blood group antigens in OSCC specimens correlates significantly with both the stage and histological grade of malignancy (42). Because both Ca9-22 and OEC-M1 cancer cells are derived from gingiva, a type of keratinized stratified squamous epithelia, the existence of B antigen could be explained (43), but the functional role of B antigen in oral cancer cells requires further investigation.…”

Hepatitis B virus infection and ABO/Rh blood groups

“…3 ABO antigens are also expressed on the surface of the epithelium, sensory neurons, platelets and vascular endothelium in secretor status and found to be dissolved in urine, stool, plasma, saliva and mother's milk. 2,4 It is known relationship between ABO blood groups and some infectious diseases such as malaria, Helicobacter pylori infections, cholera and Norwalk virus infections.…”

Evolution of the human ABO polymorphism by two complementary selective pressures

“…These surfaces are coated with a layer of highly glycosylated proteins. The terminal saccharide profile of such proteins is, in part, determined by histo-blood group glycosyltransferases encoded by several different loci, including the wellknown ABO/H, Se, Lewis and Galα1,3Gal structures (Henry et al 1995;Oriol et al 1999;Ravn & Dabelsteen 2000;Henry 2001). These genetic systems are all polymorphic across a range of mammalian species; for example, ABO/H in humans, primates, pigs, dogs and rabbits (Zweibaum & Bouhou 1973;Zweibaum et al 1974;Mourant et al 1976;Balanzino et al 1994;Blancher & Socha 1997).…”