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Published on: January 31, 2018
Status of the MNSs antigens on human platelets
Abstract:
A sensitive and specific radioimmunoassay was used to determine whether human platelets possess antigens of the MNSs blood group. Mouse monoclonal IgG anti-M and anti-N were purified by Staphylococcus protein A chromatography, labeled with 125I, and incubated with platelet pellets from donors of various MN phenotypes. Human IgG anti-M, -S, and -s were purified by absorption-elution, incubated with platelet pellets from donors of different MNSs phenotypes, washed, and incubated with 125I-labeled mouse monoclonal anti-human IgG. In both assays, the platelet pellets were centrifuged through phthalate ester oils and the radioactivity in the pellets was counted. Dose-response curves and ligand bound per cell indicated no significant difference in the binding of mouse or human anti-M and anti-N to platelets from donors of the MM, MN, or NN phenotype or of human anti-S and anti-s to platelets from donors of the Ss or ss phenotype. Contrary to many previous studies, our data indicate that the MNSs antigens are not expressed on the circulating human platelet. Therefore, antibodies to these antigens probably do not play a role in refractoriness to platelet transfusion.
Insights
This study investigated MNSs blood group antigens on human platelets using radioimmunoassays. Results indicate MNSs antigens are not present on platelets, suggesting antibodies against them may not cause platelet transfusion refractoriness.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Hematology
- Blood Group Serology
Background:
- The MNSs blood group system is crucial in transfusion medicine.
- Previous studies suggested MNSs antigens might be expressed on human platelets, but evidence was inconclusive.
Purpose of the Study:
- To definitively determine the presence or absence of MNSs blood group antigens on human platelets.
- To clarify the role of MNSs antibodies in platelet transfusion refractoriness.
Main Methods:
- Utilized sensitive and specific radioimmunoassays (RIAs) with purified monoclonal and human antibodies.
- Incubated labeled antibodies with platelet pellets from donors with various MN and MNSs phenotypes.
- Quantified antigen-MNSs expression on platelets by measuring radioactivity in pellets after centrifugation through phthalate ester oils.
Main Results:
- No significant difference was observed in the binding of anti-M and anti-N antibodies to platelets across different MN phenotypes.
- Similarly, anti-S and anti-s antibodies showed no differential binding to platelets from Ss or ss phenotype donors.
- Data indicate MNSs antigens are not expressed on circulating human platelets.
Conclusions:
- The MNSs blood group antigens are not expressed on human platelets.
- Antibodies targeting MNSs antigens are unlikely to be responsible for platelet transfusion refractoriness.
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