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The R o Har antigenic complex is associated with a limited number of D epitopes and alloanti‐D production: a study of three unrelated persons and their families
Author(s) -
Beckers E.A.M.,
Porcelijn L.,
Ligthart P.,
Vermey H.,
Borne A. E.G.Kr.,
Overbeeke M. A.M.,
Rhenen D. J.
Publication year - 1996
Publication title -
transfusion
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.045
H-Index - 132
eISSN - 1537-2995
pISSN - 0041-1132
DOI - 10.1046/j.1537-2995.1996.36296181919.x
Subject(s) - epitope , antigen , typing , immunology , antibody , phenotype , biology , medicine , genetics , gene
BACKGROUND: the R o Har antigenic complex has been characterized serologically by difficulties in D typing, weak e expression, lack of G antigen, presence of Rh33, a low‐frequency Rh antigen, and, more recently, a second low‐frequency antigen, FPTT. Allocation to one of the partial D catagories was not considered because of the unuaual reactions of R o Har cells and because anti‐D production was not observed in RoHar persons. STUDY DESIGN and METHODS: Three unrelated R o Har donors and their families were studied in detail with special emphasis on D epitope mapping, e and G typing, and screening for antibodies. RESULTS: Only D epitopes 5 and 6/7 were demonstrable, and D epitopes 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, and 9 seem to be absent in the RoHar complex. In one individual, the presence of alloanti‐D with limited specificity, not reacting with R o Har red cells of other individuals, was found 6 months after a second D+ pregnancy. CONCLUSION: The finding of alloanti‐D in an R o Har r person supports the concept that the D characteristic of this phenotype is a partial D antigen, which is consistent with the presence of the limited number of D epitopes found in epitope mapping. As has been suggested for other partial D antigens, R o Har individuals should be regarded as D‐ for the receipt of blood, and pregnant R o Har women who have had D+ pregnancies should receive anti‐D prophylaxis.