The Rhesus (D) polypeptide is linked to the human erythrocyte cytoskeleton

Cytoskeleton preparations derived from lactoperoxidase-radioiodinated human erythrocytes were found to be enriched in a labelled component with the same apparent molecular mass as the Rhesus (D) (Rh(D] antigen polypeptide. Immune precipitation from the cytoskeleton preparations confirmed that this component is the Rh(D) polypeptide. The results suggest that the Rh(D) polypeptide may be linked to the erythrocyte skeletal matrix. The possibility that the Rh(D) antigen is involved in maintaining the shape and viability of the erythrocyte is discussed.