The molecular basis of the Rhesus antigen Ew.
BACKGROUND
The Rhesus antigen Ew (ISBT designation 004 011) was first described in 1955. It is defined by a specific antibody, but its molecular genetic basis has not yet been resolved.


METHODS
Two individuals serologically characterized to express the rare Rhesus antigen Ew were analyzed by sequencing of all 10 exons of the RHCE gene.


RESULTS
A nucleotide exchange at position 500 (T500A) resulting in a Met167Lys amino acid substitution was found in both individuals. Moreover, we show that an individual carrying the Ew antigen is capable to produce an alloantibody against the wild-type E antigen.


CONCLUSIONS
The single-point mutation T500A in exon 4 of the RHCE gene is a molecular basis of the rare Rhesus antigen Ew.
Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Academic Hospital Munich-Schwabing, Kölner Platy 1, D-80804 Munich, Germany. mikrobiologie@kms.mhn.de
Erwin
E
Strobel
France
F
Noizat-Pirenne
Sabine
S
Hofmann
Jean Pierre
JP
Cartron
Matthias F
MF
Bauer
D019943:Amino Acid Substitution; D001798:Blood Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D005091:Exons; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D017354:Point Mutation; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D012204:Rh-Hr Blood-Group System / Q000235:genetics*
D001798:Blood Proteins; D008565:Membrane Proteins; C066468:RHCE protein, human; D012204:Rh-Hr Blood-Group System