The Rh antigen D: partial D antigens and associated low incidence antigens.
The expression of the Rh antigen D varies quantitatively and qualitatively (partial D); published information and 15 years' work studying D variants are discussed in this review. D epitopes correspond to the reaction patterns of monoclonal anti-D with partial D antigens. Partial D antigens can be reported in terms of their D epitopes but the epitope profile of cells with a quantitative variant of D (weak D) is difficult to determine reliably by haemagglutination tests. Nine partial D antigens, categories II-VII, DFR and two not previously reported, are identified by their epitope profiles and by association with low incidence antigens. Monoclonal anti-D recognize 16 D epitopes and more epitopes are anticipated. The specificities of polyclonal anti-D made by people with partial D antigens are considered in terms of possible D epitope specificities: recognized epitope specificities, or combination thereof, were not able to account for all observed reaction patterns of anti-D made by immunized individuals with partial D phenotypes. An attempt is made to understand partial D antigens and their associated low incidence antigens in terms of the molecular genetic information available.
Tippett
P
P
Medical Research Council Blood Group Unit, London, UK.
Lomas-Francis
C
C
Wallace
M
M
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000918:Antibody Specificity; D044466:Asian People / Q000235:genetics; D044383:Black People / Q000235:genetics; D000939:Epitopes / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D012204:Rh-Hr Blood-Group System / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D044465:White People / Q000235:genetics
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000939:Epitopes; D012204:Rh-Hr Blood-Group System; C026410:Rho(D) antigen