[Advances in molecular biological investigation of blood group-active substances on the human red blood cell]

Blood group antigens on the human red blood cell are originally of serological significance. Recent advances in molecular biology and genetics have greatly increased our knowledge of the chemical structures, functions, and genetic backgrounds of these antigens. Carbohydrate antigens are widely expressed in various tissues, whereas protein(polypeptide) antigens are generally specific to the surface molecules of erythroid cells, suggesting their possible roles in membrane structure and function (transporters, receptors, adhesion molecules, and enzymes). This paper reviewed the recent topics with special regard to clinical significance including blood transfusion, and discussed.