Kell and Kx blood group systems: an update.

Area of Science:

• Immunohematology
• Genetics
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• The Kell (ISBT 006) and Kx (ISBT 019) blood group systems have seen significant updates since 2015.
• New insights link Kell glycoprotein to red blood cell membrane stability.
• Discoveries include novel antigens, alleles, and the first infant diagnosis of McLeod syndrome.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and update knowledge on the Kell and Kx blood group systems.
• To highlight recent discoveries in antigens, alleles, and associated phenotypes.
• To emphasize the role of molecular diagnostics and emerging technologies.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of scientific publications since 2015.
• Analysis of new antigen and allele discoveries in Kell and XK genes.
• Discussion of advancements in molecular diagnostics and emerging technologies.

Main Results:

• Kell system now has 38 antigens, with novel alleles encoding Kmod and K0 phenotypes.
• XK system shows increasing alleles associated with the Kx- (null) phenotype.
• Molecular diagnostics are vital for serologic ambiguity resolution and neurodegenerative syndrome diagnosis.

Conclusions:

• The Kell and Kx blood group systems continue to expand with new genetic variations.
• Molecular diagnostics play an increasingly important role in transfusion medicine and clinical diagnosis.
• Emerging technologies promise deeper understanding of Kell and Kx protein function and associated diseases.