An unusual Rh phenotype indicating heterogeneity of the Cw antigen.
A family is reported in which a new Cw antigen occurred in two generations. This was recognized by 17 anti-Cw sera, but by none of the 21 anti-C sera which were, however, shown to react strongly with common Cw+ cells. This unusual finding provides evidence that the Cw antigen is in fact heterogeneous. On the basis of data obtained from absorption-elution and coagglutination studies a tentative explanation is attempted: common Cw+ phenotypes are assumed to be Cw (+1+2) and the present phenotype Cw (+1-2). Anti-Cw sera should accordingly be anti-Cw1, whereas anti-C sera should only react with Cw2.
D015478:Antigens, Heterophile / Q000032:analysis*; D006386:Hemagglutination Tests; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010375:Pedigree; D010641:Phenotype; D012204:Rh-Hr Blood-Group System
D015478:Antigens, Heterophile; D012204:Rh-Hr Blood-Group System