Loss of rh antigen activity following the action of phospholipase A2 on red cell stroma

The degradation of red cell stroma phospholipids by phospholipase A2 is accompanied by a concomitant fall in the activity of the Rh antigens, c, D and e. The action of phospholipase C on stroma also brings about a fall in D antigen activity. Anti-D bound to the red cells protects the D antigen from inactivation by phospholipase A2.