K12 is located on the Kell blood group protein in proximity to K/k and Jsa/Jsb

K12 is a high-prevalence antigen, with no known antithetical partner, that is associated with the Kell blood group system. We report studies on the 5th propositus (MS) with the K:-12 phenotype and the second case to show that the K12 is inherited. The anti-K12 in his serum did not destroy antigen-positive incompatible red cells transfused on at least 3 occasions over 6 years. Red cell membranes from MS possessed the Kell protein that was indistinguishable from control membranes. K12 antigen was shown by immunoprecipitation to be on a protein with an apparent molecular mass of 93,000 and by monoclonal antibody immobilization of erythrocyte antigens (MAIEA) assay to be on the Kell protein in proximity to K/k and Jsa/Jsb antigens. These data remove the K:-12 phenotype from its current Kell-related (or para Kell) status and elevates the K12 antigen to a bona fide member of the Kell blood group system.