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Inverse expression of P k and Luke blood group antigens on human RBCs
Author(s) -
Cooling Laura L.,
Kelly Kathleen
Publication year - 2001
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.1537-2995.2001.41070898.x
Subject(s) - microbiology and biotechnology , shigella dysenteriae , shiga toxin , biology , antigen , glycolipid , escherichia coli , biochemistry , immunology , gene
BACKGROUND: Luke (LKE) is a high‐frequency RBC antigen, related to the P blood group system. A LKE‐negative phenotype is found in 1 to 2 percent of donors and may be associated with increased P k . Because P k and similar glycolipids are receptors for shiga toxin on cell membranes, a LKE‐negative phenotype could have implications for infections by Shigella dysenteriae and enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli . STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Volunteer donors (n = 257) were serologically typed for LKE with a LKE MoAb, MC813‐70. LKE‐strong‐positive, LKE‐weak‐positive and LKE‐negative RBCs were analyzed for P k , P, LKE, and shiga toxin binding by immunofluorescence flow cytometry, high‐performance thin‐layer chromatography, scanning densitometry, and high‐performance thin‐layer chromatography immunostaining. RESULTS: Among Iowa donors, 78.6 percent were LKE‐strong‐positive, 20.2 percent were LKE‐weak‐positive, and 1.2 percent were LKE‐negative. There was an inverse expression of P k and LKE on RBCs. P k expression was increased on LKE‐negative RBCs and was associated with increased shiga toxin binding. A LKE‐active glycolipid was identified in the ganglioside fraction of LKE‐strong‐positive RBCs. CONCLUSION: A LKE‐negative phenotype is associated with increased expression of P k on RBCs. Differences in P k and LKE expression may play a role in host susceptibility to infection with S. dysenteriae and E. coli .