Kell

Kell is a group of antigens on the human Kell blood group system. The Kell antigens are present on the red blood cells of Kell positive individuals and can lead to complications in blood transfusions and pregnancies.

Overview

The Kell blood group system is complex, with 25 highly immunogenic antigens. The most important of these are K (also known as Kell) and k (also known as Cellano). The K antigen is a potent immunogen, with anti-K antibodies often involved in transfusion reactions and hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN).

Genetics

The Kell antigens are encoded by the KEL gene, located on chromosome 7 at position 7q33. The KEL gene has 19 exons and encodes a type II transmembrane glycoprotein that acts as an endopeptidase in the degradation of bioactive peptides.

Clinical significance

The presence of Kell antigens can have significant clinical implications. In blood transfusions, if a Kell negative individual receives blood from a Kell positive donor, the recipient can develop anti-K antibodies, leading to a hemolytic transfusion reaction. In pregnancy, if a Kell negative mother carries a Kell positive fetus, the mother can produce anti-K antibodies, leading to HDFN.

See also

• Blood group system
• Hemolytic disease of the newborn
• Blood transfusion

References

Kell Resources
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