Red blood cell antigens responsible for inherited types of polyagglutination

Abstract

The three described types on inheritable polyagglutination are related to altered carbohydrate structures in glycoproteins or/and glycolipds on the erythrocyte surface. HEMPAS, a condition causing anemia and other pathological symptoms, is characterized by impaired biosynthesis of N-glycans, mostly those carried by band 3 and band 4.5 erythrocyte membrane proteins. Cad erythrocytes have abnormal glycophorin O-glycans, structurally related to the more common human Sda and murine CT determinants, and accumulate an Sda-like ganglioside. NOR erythrocytes express recently detected abnormal α-galactose-terminated glycosphingolipids, which strongly react with G. simplicifolia IB4 isolectin, but do not react with human anti-Galα1-3Gal antibodies.