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Immunological characterization of anti‐Mi a , a red blood cell alloantibody, in Taiwan
Author(s) -
Lo S.C.,
Chang J.S.,
Lin S. W.S.,
Lin D.T.
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
vox sanguinis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.68
H-Index - 83
eISSN - 1423-0410
pISSN - 0042-9007
DOI - 10.1046/j.1423-0410.2002.00212.x
Subject(s) - antibody , immunology , medicine , immunoglobulin g , monocyte , red blood cell , immunoglobulin m
Background and Objectives The red blood cell Mi III phenotype is prevalent in Asia, and its corresponding alloantibody, anti‐Mi a , has been reported to cause haemolytic transfusion reactions and haemolytic disease of the newborn. However, a complete picture of the immunological characteristics of anti‐Mi a is still lacking. We therefore conducted a systematic study to evaluate the potential clinical significance of this antibody. Materials and Methods From April 1999 to March 2000, we identified 60 sera containing anti‐Mi a among pretransfusion samples at a teaching hospital in Taiwan. These antibodies were tested for immunoglobulin class, thermal range and activity in a monocyte monolayer assay. Results Thirty‐four (57%) of the antibodies were immunoglobulin M (IgM), and 15 retained their activity at 37 °C. Of those that were immunoglobulin G (IgG), 96% were of subclasses IgG1 and/or IgG3. Monocyte monolayer assay studies showed that 69% (18/26) of the IgG anti‐Mi a sera were reactive. Conclusions Our study justifies the implementation of anti‐Mi a screening in Taiwan.