Kell antigen system: Difference between revisions
Created page with "= Kell Antigen System = The Kell antigen system is a complex blood group system that encompasses a variety of antigens on the red blood cell surface, with the K and k antigen..." |
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= Kell | {{Short description|Human blood group system}} | ||
{{Infobox blood group system | |||
| name = Kell antigen system | |||
| image = Serology interpretation of antibody panel for blood group antigens.jpg | |||
| image_caption = Serology interpretation of antibody panel for blood group antigens | |||
| genes = [[KEL (gene)|KEL]] | |||
| antigens = K, k, Kp<sup>a</sup>, Kp<sup>b</sup>, Js<sup>a</sup>, Js<sup>b</sup> | |||
| antibodies = Anti-K, Anti-k, Anti-Kp<sup>a</sup>, Anti-Kp<sup>b</sup>, Anti-Js<sup>a</sup>, Anti-Js<sup>b</sup> | |||
}} | |||
The Kell antigen system is a | The '''Kell antigen system''' is a group of antigens on the human red blood cell surface that are important in blood transfusion medicine. The system is named after the first patient in whom the antibodies were discovered. The Kell blood group system is the third most important blood group system after the [[ABO blood group system|ABO]] and [[Rh blood group system|Rh]] systems. | ||
==Structure and Genetics== | |||
The Kell antigen system is encoded by the [[KEL (gene)|KEL gene]], which is located on chromosome 7. The KEL gene encodes a type II transmembrane glycoprotein that is expressed on the surface of red blood cells. The Kell protein is a zinc endopeptidase that is involved in the regulation of cell surface expression of other proteins. | |||
The most clinically significant antigens in the Kell system are K (Kell) and k (Cellano). Other antigens include Kp<sup>a</sup>, Kp<sup>b</sup>, Js<sup>a</sup>, and Js<sup>b</sup>. The presence or absence of these antigens is determined by allelic variations in the KEL gene. | |||
The | |||
== | ==Clinical Significance== | ||
The | The Kell antigen system is highly immunogenic, meaning that it can provoke an immune response in individuals who lack the antigen. The most common and clinically significant antibody in the Kell system is anti-K, which can cause [[hemolytic transfusion reaction]]s and [[hemolytic disease of the newborn]] (HDN). | ||
== | ===Hemolytic Transfusion Reactions=== | ||
When a person who lacks the Kell antigen (K-negative) receives blood from a donor who is K-positive, they may develop anti-K antibodies. If the person is subsequently transfused with K-positive blood, these antibodies can cause a hemolytic transfusion reaction, which is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition. | |||
===Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn=== | |||
Anti-K antibodies can also cross the placenta during pregnancy and attack the red blood cells of a Kell-positive fetus, leading to hemolytic disease of the newborn. This condition can result in severe anemia, jaundice, and even fetal death if not properly managed. | |||
== | ==Testing and Compatibility== | ||
Blood banks routinely test for Kell antigens and antibodies to ensure compatibility between donors and recipients. This is especially important for women of childbearing age to prevent HDN. | |||
== | ==Also see== | ||
* | * [[ABO blood group system]] | ||
* [[Rh blood group system]] | |||
* [[Hemolytic disease of the newborn]] | |||
* [[Blood transfusion]] | |||
{{Blood group systems}} | |||
[[Category:Blood antigen systems]] | |||
[[Category:Blood]] | |||
[[Category:Transfusion medicine]] | [[Category:Transfusion medicine]] | ||
<gallery> | |||
File:Serology interpretation of antibody panel for blood group antigens.jpg|Kell antigen system | |||
</gallery> | |||
Latest revision as of 01:42, 20 February 2025
Human blood group system
Template:Infobox blood group system
The Kell antigen system is a group of antigens on the human red blood cell surface that are important in blood transfusion medicine. The system is named after the first patient in whom the antibodies were discovered. The Kell blood group system is the third most important blood group system after the ABO and Rh systems.
Structure and Genetics[edit]
The Kell antigen system is encoded by the KEL gene, which is located on chromosome 7. The KEL gene encodes a type II transmembrane glycoprotein that is expressed on the surface of red blood cells. The Kell protein is a zinc endopeptidase that is involved in the regulation of cell surface expression of other proteins.
The most clinically significant antigens in the Kell system are K (Kell) and k (Cellano). Other antigens include Kpa, Kpb, Jsa, and Jsb. The presence or absence of these antigens is determined by allelic variations in the KEL gene.
Clinical Significance[edit]
The Kell antigen system is highly immunogenic, meaning that it can provoke an immune response in individuals who lack the antigen. The most common and clinically significant antibody in the Kell system is anti-K, which can cause hemolytic transfusion reactions and hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN).
Hemolytic Transfusion Reactions[edit]
When a person who lacks the Kell antigen (K-negative) receives blood from a donor who is K-positive, they may develop anti-K antibodies. If the person is subsequently transfused with K-positive blood, these antibodies can cause a hemolytic transfusion reaction, which is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition.
Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn[edit]
Anti-K antibodies can also cross the placenta during pregnancy and attack the red blood cells of a Kell-positive fetus, leading to hemolytic disease of the newborn. This condition can result in severe anemia, jaundice, and even fetal death if not properly managed.
Testing and Compatibility[edit]
Blood banks routinely test for Kell antigens and antibodies to ensure compatibility between donors and recipients. This is especially important for women of childbearing age to prevent HDN.
Also see[edit]
-
Kell antigen system
