[Impact of blood group antigens in transplantation]

Blood group antigens seem to be implied in the mechanisms of tissue and cell rejection. All erythrocyte blood groups are not only demonstrated on red cells. Some of them can be observed on several tissues of the body, particularly antigens of ABO, Hh, Lewis and I(i) systems... These ubiquitory antigens, called "histo-antigens" are developed very early at the various embryofetal stages depending on the tissues. The ABO system plays a fundamental role in graft and transplant. If the ABO compatibility is fundamental for the prognosis of a kidney, liver and heart transplantation, it has only a minor effect on the marrow, bone or cornea transplantation. The physiopathologic mechanisms are known, for the main points, and in connection with ABH antigens presence. Recent works show that systems RH, FY and JK could play a role in the process of graft rejection.