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The molecular basis of the Rhesus antigen Ew
Erwin Strobel1, France Noizat-Pirenne, Sabine Hofmann
1Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Academic Hospital Munich-Schwabing, Kölner Platy 1, D-80804 Munich, Germany. mikrobiologie@kms.mhn.de
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.
Study Design And 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.
Conclusion:
The single-point mutation T500A in exon 4 of the RHCE gene is a molecular basis of the rare Rhesus antigen Ew.