Red cells from the original JAL+ proband are also DAK+ and STEM+

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Immunology
• Genetics

Background:

• The JAL antigen is a rare Rh blood group.
• J. Allen's red blood cells (RBCs) exhibited reactivity with multiple sera, suggesting additional low-prevalence antigens.
• Previous research identified the JAL antigen on J. Allen's RBCs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate and characterize other low-prevalence Rh antigens present on J. Allen's RBCs.
• To determine the genetic basis of these novel antigen expressions.

Main Methods:

• Hemagglutination assays were performed using standard serological techniques.
• DNA analysis was conducted to identify specific genetic variations in Rh gene complexes.
• Reagents and blood samples were sourced from established collections.

Main Results:

• DNA analysis confirmed RHCE*ceS(340T) and identified RHCE*ceBI and RHD*DOL in J. Allen.
• J. Allen's RBCs showed agglutination with anti-JAL, anti-STEM, and anti-DAK sera.
• Two multi-specific sera, previously reported, reacted with J. Allen's RBCs and those with RHCE*ceBI, indicating the presence of anti-STEM.

Conclusions:

• J. Allen's RBCs express the low-prevalence Rh antigens JAL, V/VS (weakly), STEM, and DAK.
• The genetic findings support the expression of JAL on RhceJAL, STEM on RhceBI, and DAK on RHD*DOL variants.
• When using J. Allen's RBCs for anti-JAL detection, the co-expression of STEM and DAK must be considered.