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The P1H antigen and antibody
1Immunohematology Research Laboratory, Natal lnstitute of Immunology, P.O. Box 2356, Durban, 4000 Natal, South Africa.
Immunohematology
|March 1, 1993
Summary
A new compound antigen, P1H, has been discovered in South African blacks, linked to ABO and P blood group systems. This antigen appears dominant and requires strong P1 and H antigen expression on red blood cells.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Genetics
- Hematology
Background:
- The P1H antigen is a newly discovered compound antigen.
- It is associated with both the ABO and P blood group systems.
- This antigen occurs in approximately X% of Natal (South African) blacks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the P1H compound antigen and its associated antibody, anti-P1H.
- To investigate the genetic and molecular basis of P1H antigen expression.
- To understand the serological properties of anti-P1H.
Main Methods:
- Red blood cell phenotyping for P1H antigen expression.
- Serological testing with anti-P1H antibody.
- Inhibition studies using various blood group substances.
Main Results:
- P1H antigen expression is evident only with exceptionally strong P1 and H antigen expression.
- The antigen appears to be inherited as a dominant character.
- Anti-P1H is a weak cold agglutinin, not adsorbed by P1 or H red cells but by P1H+ red cells.
Conclusions:
- The P1H antigen may arise from molecular rearrangement or gene transferase competition.
- Anti-P1H exhibits specific binding and inhibition characteristics.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the genetic and molecular mechanisms of P1H antigen formation.