Red blood cell microparticles and blood group antigens: an analysis by flow cytometry.
BACKGROUND
The storage of blood induces the formation of erythrocytes-derived microparticles. Their pathogenic role in blood transfusion is not known so far, especially the risk to trigger alloantibody production in the recipient. This work aims to study the expression of clinically significant blood group antigens on the surface of red blood cells microparticles.


METHODS
Red blood cells contained in erythrocyte concentrates were stained with specific antibodies directed against blood group antigens and routinely used in immunohematology practice. After inducing erythrocytes vesiculation with calcium ionophore, the presence of blood group antigens was analysed by flow cytometry.


RESULTS
The expression of several blood group antigens from the RH, KEL, JK, FY, MNS, LE and LU systems was detected on erythrocyte microparticles. The presence of M (MNS1), N (MNS2) and s (MNS4) antigens could not be demonstrated by flow cytometry, despite that glycophorin A and B were identified on microparticles using anti-CD235a and anti-MNS3.


CONCLUSIONS
We conclude that blood group antigens are localized on erythrocytes-derived microparticles and probably keep their immunogenicity because of their capacity to bind specific antibody. Selective segregation process during vesiculation or their ability to elicit an immune response in vivo has to be tested by further studies.
Service Régional Vaudois de Transfusion Sanguine, Epalinges, Switzerland.
Giorgia
G
Canellini
Olivier
O
Rubin
Julien
J
Delobel
David
D
Crettaz
Niels
N
Lion
Jean-Daniel
JD
Tissot
D001789:Blood Group Antigens / Q000032:analysis*; D055252:Cell-Derived Microparticles; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D006801:Humans; D014463:Ultrasonography
D001789:Blood Group Antigens