Granulocyte serology: current concepts and clinical signifcance

Applying serologic procedures to the detection of RBC and lymphocyte antigens has facilitated the identification of granulocyte antigens with established clinical significance, which are now classified in the human neutrophil antigen system. Granulocyte alloantibodies and autoantibodies have been implicated in a variety of clinical conditions including alloimmune neutropenia, autoimmune neutropenia, febrile and severe pulmonary transfusion reactions, drug-induced neutropenia, refractoriness to granulocyte transfusions, and immune neutropenia after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Although the intrinsically fragile nature of granulocytes contributes to the inherent challenges of granulocyte serology, several advances in laboratory procedures have improved detection of granulocyte antibodies. This review will provide a current perspective about the importance and use of granulocyte serology for detection of granulocyte antibodies that have significant medical effects.