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MAM: a "new" high-incidence antigen found on multiple cell lines
W M Montgomery1, S J Nance, S F Donnelly
1National Reference Laboratory for Blood Group Serology, American Red Cross, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. wmontgomery@immucor.com
Transfusion
|September 16, 2000
Summary
A new high-prevalence antigen, MAM, and its antibody, anti-MAM, have been identified. Anti-MAM can cause hemolytic disease of the newborn and reduce red blood cell survival post-transfusion.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Transfusion Medicine
- Genetics
Background:
- Identification of a novel high-prevalence antigen.
- Characterization of antibodies against this antigen in three women.
Observation:
- Antibodies reacted with all tested red blood cells except the individuals' own.
- Infants born to affected mothers experienced thrombocytopenia and anemia.
- Direct antiglobulin test (DAT) was positive in one infant.
Findings:
- The new antigen is named MAM (ISBT antigen number 901016).
- Anti-MAM causes hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN).
- Anti-MAM can decrease red blood cell survival and may react with white blood cells and platelets.
Implications:
- Clinical significance of the MAM antigen and anti-MAM antibody in transfusion practice.
- Potential for alloimmunization and transfusion reactions.
- Need for further investigation into the antigen's expression and antibody's behavior.