Anti-Blood Group A, B and H Antigens antibody [HE-10]

Supplementary info

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

Activity summary

Blood Group A B and H antigens are carbohydrate molecules present on the surface of red blood cells. Also known as ABO blood group antigens they are a part of glycoproteins and glycolipids. Each of these antigens has a distinct oligosaccharide structure with the H antigen serving as the precursor to A and B antigens. The molecular mass varies as these antigens are part of larger glycoproteins. These antigens primarily express themselves on red blood cells but also appear on various epithelial and endothelial cells.

Biological function summary

A B and H antigens significantly determine individuals' blood type whether it is A B AB or O. They do not form part of a complex but instead result from specific enzyme activity encoded by ABO genes. Glycosyltransferase enzymes modify the H antigen to form A or B antigens through the addition of monosaccharides. The presence or absence of these antigens results in corresponding antibodies against them in the plasma known as blood type antibodies or anti-A and anti-B antibodies important in transfusion medicine.

Pathways

A B and H antigen biosynthesis involves glycosylation pathways where specific transferases act on precursor substances. In the glycosylation pathway proteins like fucosyltransferase are closely related contributing to forming the H antigen from the precursor glycoproteins. These pathways illustrate how genetic variations lead to different glycan structures establishing the basis for various blood types and their related antibodies such as anti-A anti-B and the lack thereof in O type.

Associated diseases and disorders

Differences in A B and H antigens are particularly relevant in transfusion reactions and hemolytic diseases of the newborn. Incompatible blood transfusions can lead to immune responses when antibodies target antigens present on donor cells. Disorders such as Bombay phenotype arise when individuals lack H antigen altogether complicating blood transfusions since they can produce antibodies against A B and H antigens. Related proteins in these conditions include those involved in immune response and complement pathways which get activated during antigen-antibody reactions.