Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 28, 2026

Antigens Protected Functional Red Blood Cells By The Membrane Grafting Of Compact Hyperbranched Polyglycerols
11:31

Antigens Protected Functional Red Blood Cells By The Membrane Grafting Of Compact Hyperbranched Polyglycerols

Published on: January 2, 2013

Early primary immune response against erythrocytes: a case report

A L Albiero1, M C Z Novaretti, P E D Llacer

  • 1Hematology and Hemotherapy Department, University of Sao Paulo, School of Medicine, Sao Paulo, Brazil. albiero@icr.hcnet.usp.br

Transfusion Medicine (Oxford, England)
|April 16, 2003
PubMed

Insights

This study reports the fastest primary immune response to red blood cell (RBC) antigens ever recorded. A single RBC transfusion in an infant led to rapid antibody detection, highlighting potential immune modulation by cytomegalovirus (CMV).

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Transfusion Medicine
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Primary immune responses to red blood cell (RBC) antigens typically require weeks to months for detection.
  • Previous studies show antibody detection in children receiving multiple transfusions ranges from 18 to 78 days.
  • Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections can influence immunohaematologic findings and immune responses.

Observation:

  • A 24-week-old male infant presented with cytomegalovirus (CMV)-induced interstitial pneumonia and hepatitis.
  • Following a single RBC transfusion, the infant developed an RBC autoantibody.
  • The infant also developed two RBC alloantibodies: anti-Jka and anti-K.

Findings:

  • Anti-Jka antibodies were detected 11 days post-transfusion.
  • Anti-K antibodies were detected 18 days post-transfusion.
  • This represents the most rapid primary immune response to an RBC antigen following a single transfusion in the youngest patient described.

Implications:

  • This case challenges the established timeline for primary immune responses to RBC antigens.
  • The rapid antibody development suggests a heightened immune sensitivity or modulation in this infant.
  • Further research is needed to understand the role of CMV in accelerated alloimmunization after transfusion.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Methods for Quantitative Detection of Antibody-induced Complement Activation on Red Blood Cells06:29

Methods for Quantitative Detection of Antibody-induced Complement Activation on Red Blood Cells

Published on: January 29, 2014

Detection of Residual Donor Erythroid Progenitor Cells after Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation for Patients with Hemoglobinopathies11:59

Detection of Residual Donor Erythroid Progenitor Cells after Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation for Patients with Hemoglobinopathies

Published on: September 6, 2017

Related Concept Videos

Blood Transfusion and Agglutination02:45

Blood Transfusion and Agglutination

Blood transfusion is a therapeutic measure to restore the blood volume after extensive blood loss due to an accident or a medical procedure. Blood transfusion involves drawing a certain amount of blood from a suitable donor and infusing it into the recipient.
History
The history of blood transfusion dates back to the 17th century, when early attempts were made in animals. In 1818 James Blundell, a British doctor, performed the first successful human blood transfusion. Later in 1900, Karl...
Erythropoiesis01:14

Erythropoiesis

Red blood cells  (RBCs) transport oxygen to all body tissues. These cells survive only for 120 days and then need to be replenished. Erythropoiesis is the process of RBC production. In healthy individuals, erythropoiesis ensures all tissues are amply supplied with oxygen. In addition, blood loss due to injury leads to a drop in the physiological oxygen level that will cause erythropoiesis. Any defect in erythropoiesis leads to several physiological disorders, including thalassemia, anemia, and...
Disorders of Erythrocytes01:27

Disorders of Erythrocytes

Disorders of erythrocytes, or red blood cells (RBCs), include a range of conditions affecting their number, shape, or function.
Erythrocyte disorders can be broadly categorized into two main types: anemic and polycythemic conditions.
A low oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood due to the loss, lower production, or destruction of erythrocytes is termed anemia. Hemorrhagic anemia, for example, occurs when bleeding from an external wound or internal ulcer reduces erythrocyte counts.
On the other...
Rh Blood Group01:19

Rh Blood Group

The Rhesus (Rh) antigen is crucial in determining blood groups and ensuring compatibility during blood transfusions.
Blood Typing01:10

Blood Typing

Understanding an individual's blood group is a critical component of transfusion medicine. It ensures compatibility in blood transfusions, organ transplants, and even during pregnancy. Determining these blood groups involves the ABO and Rh blood typing systems, utilizing specific antigens and corresponding anti-sera to identify an individual's blood type.
Antigens are protein molecules that reside on the surface of red blood cells (RBCs). The ABO and Rh blood typing systems target antigens A,...