The 22 antigens of the Kell blood group system are located on a red blood cell (RBC) membrane glycoprotein that shows sequence homology with a family of metalloendopeptidases. Expression of the Kell system antigens is partially governed by XK, an X-linked gene that encodes the Kx protein; absence of Kx results in reduced Kell antigen expression. Almost total absence of Kell antigens from the RB...

background: the development of anti-red blood cell alloantibodies remains a major problem in transfusion of blood in thalassemia major patients. also, autoantibodies can result in clinical hemolysis and difficulty in cross-matching blood. we studied the frequency of red blood cell alloimmunization and autoimmunization among thalassemia patients who received regular transfusions in ilam province...

Objective: To study phenotypic prevalence of ABO, Rh and Kell blood group system Material and Method: Voluntary blood donors were tested for red cell antigen of ABO, Rh (D, C, c, E, e) and Kell (K) blood group systems. Each sample was tested using LISS/Coombs ABO-Rh gel card and DiaClon Rh subgroups +K gel card. Calculations of antigen and phenotypes frequencies were expressed as percentages an...

In addition to its importance in transfusion, Kell protein is a member of the M13 family of zinc endopeptidases and functions as an endothelin-3–converting enzyme. To obtain information on the structure of Kell protein we built a model based on the crystal structure of the ectodomain of neutral endopeptidase 24.11 (NEP). Similar to NEP, the Kell protein has 2 globular domains consisting mostly ...

Kell is one of the major blood group systems in human red blood cells (RBCs). The Kell antigens are carried on a 731 amino acid glycoprotein that is thought to span the erythrocyte membrane once. Rabbit antibodies to three synthetic peptides, derived from different parts of the Kell protein, were used to determine the topology of Kell protein on the RBC. Antibodies to a C-terminal peptide and t...

The study was conducted to report on the use of molecular biology methods and pregnancy outcome in women sensitized to either Rhesus D (RhD) or Kell 1 (K1) antigens. Paternal RhD genotype was determined by DNA amplification of an RhD-specific sequence from single sperm cells. Paternal Kell phenotype was determined by serologic assays using peripheral blood samples, and the fetal RhD or Kell-typ...