Lutheran antigen system

Lutheran antigen system is a blood group system that consists of 21 antigens. The system was named after the first identified antibody in this system, the Lutheran antibody, which was discovered in an individual named "Lutheran". The Lutheran antigen system is clinically significant in blood transfusion and pregnancy.

History

The Lutheran antigen system was first discovered in 1945 when a post-transfusion reaction occurred in a patient named "Lutheran". The antibody responsible for this reaction was subsequently named the Lutheran antibody. Since then, 20 additional antigens have been identified in this system.

Antigens

The Lutheran antigen system consists of 21 antigens, the most important of which are Lu(a) and Lu(b). These antigens are located on a glycoprotein known as the Lutheran glycoprotein (Lu). The Lu glycoprotein is found on the surface of red blood cells and is involved in the adhesion of red blood cells to the endothelium.

Clinical significance

The Lutheran antigen system is clinically significant in blood transfusion and pregnancy. Individuals who lack the Lu(a) or Lu(b) antigens can produce alloantibodies if they are exposed to these antigens through blood transfusion or pregnancy. These alloantibodies can cause hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN) or hemolytic transfusion reaction (HTR).

Genetics

The Lutheran antigens are encoded by the BCAM gene. The Lu(a) and Lu(b) antigens are determined by a single amino acid substitution at position 268 of the Lu glycoprotein. The Lu(a) antigen is associated with an arginine residue at this position, while the Lu(b) antigen is associated with a glutamine residue.

See also

• Blood group system
• Antigen
• Antibody
• Blood transfusion
• Pregnancy
• Hemolytic disease of the newborn
• Hemolytic transfusion reaction