Blood group antigens

Blood group antigens are substances present on the surface of red blood cells that can trigger an immune response if they are foreign to the body. They are the basis for blood typing, which is crucial in blood transfusion and organ transplantation.

Overview

Blood group antigens are proteins and carbohydrates attached to the red blood cell membrane. They are genetically determined and are the basis for the ABO blood group system, the Rh blood group system, and many others. The presence or absence of these antigens determines a person's blood type.

ABO Blood Group System

The ABO blood group system is the most important blood group system in human blood transfusion. The ABO system has four main types: A, B, AB, and O. The A and B antigens are sugars that are attached to lipids or proteins on the red blood cell membrane. Type O blood does not have either A or B antigens.

Rh Blood Group System

The Rh blood group system is the second most important blood group system, after the ABO system. The most significant antigen in this system is the D antigen. If it is present, the person is Rh positive; if it is absent, the person is Rh negative.

Other Blood Group Systems

In addition to the ABO and Rh systems, there are many other blood group systems. These include the Kell blood group system, the Duffy blood group system, the Kidd blood group system, and the MNS blood group system, among others. These systems are less well-known but can still cause problems in blood transfusion and organ transplantation.

Clinical Significance

Blood group antigens are of major importance in blood transfusion and organ transplantation. If a person receives blood that contains antigens not present in their own blood, their immune system will mount an attack against the foreign cells, leading to a transfusion reaction. This can be life-threatening. In organ transplantation, a similar reaction can lead to transplant rejection.

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