Frequency of neutrophil-specific antigens among Koreans using the granulocyte indirect immunofluorescence test (GIFT)

NA1, NA2, NB1, NB2, NC1, and NE1 are a group of antigens specifically expressed on neutrophils. Antibodies against neutrophil-specific antigens are involved in alloimmune neonatal neutropenia (ANN), autoimmune neutropenia (AIN), and transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI). We investigated the frequencies of NA1, NA2, NB1, and Mart antigens in 105 healthy Korean blood donors (65 males, 40 females) by the granulocyte indirect immunofluorescence test (GIFT) employing flow cytometry. Antigen and gene frequencies were: NA1, 0.78 and 0.53, respectively; NA2, 0.75 and 0.50, respectively; and NB1, 0.86 and 0.62, respectively. The Mart antigen was positive in all 105 subjects included in this study. The proportions of NB1-positive neutrophils among NB1-positive individuals were variable with a mean value of 72.0 +/- 20.2% (range, 27-100%). Differences in the frequency of the NA1 antigen have been reported between Asian and Caucasian populations. Our data support this variation. In addition, it was found that the frequency of the NA1 antigen in Koreans is significantly lower than in Japanese and Chinese populations (p < 0.05).