List all possible common antigens that can be expressed on mature human erythrocytes
The correct answer and explanation is:
Human erythrocytes, or red blood cells, express a variety of antigens that are important for blood compatibility, immune responses, and transfusion medicine. These antigens are found on the surface of the erythrocytes and play a significant role in determining blood types and in interactions with antibodies. Below are some of the common antigens expressed on mature human erythrocytes:
- ABO Blood Group System: The ABO system is the most important and widely known blood group system. It includes:
- A antigen: Present on type A red blood cells.
- B antigen: Present on type B red blood cells.
- AB antigen: Present on type AB red blood cells.
- O antigen: Present on type O red blood cells, which is essentially the absence of A and B antigens.
- Rh Blood Group System: This system includes several antigens, but the most notable are:
- Rh-positive (Rh+): Presence of the Rh antigen (specifically RhD).
- Rh-negative (Rh-): Absence of the Rh antigen.
- Kell Blood Group System: The Kell antigen is present in two forms:
- K antigen (also known as Kell).
- k antigen (also known as Cellano).
- Duffy Blood Group System: The Duffy system includes:
- Fya and Fyb antigens: These are significant for malaria resistance and transfusion compatibility.
- Kidd Blood Group System: This system has two main antigens:
- Jka and Jkb antigens.
- MNS Blood Group System: This system includes antigens such as:
- M and N antigens.
- S and s antigens.
- Lewis Blood Group System: The Lewis system includes:
- Lea and Leb antigens.
- P Blood Group System: This includes the P1 antigen, which is significant in transfusion medicine.
These antigens are inherited genetically and vary across populations. Blood typing, based on the presence or absence of these antigens, is essential for safe blood transfusions, organ transplantation, and understanding immune responses. The interactions between these antigens and antibodies can lead to hemolytic reactions, which is why blood compatibility is critical for transfusions.