H-Y antigen. A hazard to the female?
In recent years a male-specific but species non-specific mammalian cell surface antigen, the H-Y antigen, has been demonstrated on somatic cells as well as on sperm. This raises some questions regarding unforeseen risks of certain medical procedures, notably blood transfusion. It is stressed that especially the possible bearing of immunization against H-Y antigen on female fertility should be considered, and it is suggested that transfusion of blood cells from males into females should be avoided. Furthermore it is suggested that the risk for contamination of non-oral viral vaccines with host cell H-Y antigen is considered, and it is proposed that as a preventive measure with viruses should be grown in female cell cultures.
D000818:Animals; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D006182:H-Y Antigen / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007114:Immunization; D008297:Male; D012737:Sex Factors; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000276:immunology; D065227:Transfusion Reaction; D014765:Viral Vaccines / Q000276:immunology
D006182:H-Y Antigen; D014765:Viral Vaccines