Blood Transfus 2007; 5: 50-57 © SIMTI Servizi Srl The Rhesus factor is clinically the most important protein-based blood group system. With 49 antigens so far described, it is the largest of all 29 blood group systems. The unusually large number of Rhesus antigens is attributable to its complex genetic basis. The antigens are located on two Rhesus proteins RhD and RhCE and are produced by diffe...

Recently several cell lines have been identified with mutations in a major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-linked protein that lead to defects in class II-restricted antigen presentation and a defect in the formation of class II SDS-stable dimers. The defect in these calls has recently been shown to result from the inability to express the MHC-encoded nonclassical class II molecule called DM. ...

We have examined the cells involved in the development of contact sensitivity to FITC in CBA mice. After skin painting with antigen, the number of dendritic cells (DC) in the draining lymph nodes increased by 30 min, was maximal at 48 h, and returned to normal by 6 d. Derivation of some DC from Langerhans' cells of the skin was indicated from the presence of Birbeck granules observed in some DC...

BACKGROUND Activation of blood coagulation and fibrinolysis may be associated with increased risk of coronary heart disease. We aimed to assess associations of circulating tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) antigen, D-dimer and von Willebrand factor (VWF) with coronary heart disease risk. DESIGN Prospective case-control study, systematic review and meta-analyses. METHODS Measurements were ...

Shigella strains are important human pathogens and are normally identified by their O antigens. O antigen is an essential part of the lipopolysaccharide present in the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria and plays a role in pathogenicity. Structural and genetic organization of the Shigella boydii type 18 O antigen was investigated. As judged by sugar and methylation analyses and NMR spectr...

Antiserum was prepared in rabbits against the A antigen and a new antigen (labeled the D antigen) of yeast-phase cells of Blastomyces dermatitidis by using immunoelectrophoretic precipitin arcs as vaccine. The antiserum can be used as a reference serum in the immunodiffusion test for identyfying antibodies to the A antigen in sera from patients thought to have blastomycosis. Antibodies to the D...

background: hydatidosis is one of the cosmopolitan parasitic zoonoses caused by the larval stage of echinococcus granulosus. diagnosis of hydatidosis is still an unresolved problem. serological tests using crude antigens for diagnosis of e. granulosus are sensi-tive, however their specificity are not satisfactory. therefore, who recommended spe-cific serological methods using specific antigens,...

Dysfunction of the gastrointestinal system in Helicobacter pylori lesions significantly reduces absorption not only calcium (Ca), but also vitamin D and other nutrients, intake which is critical for bone formation. H. pylory can contribute to formation osteoporosis due development inflammatory process. The process an important component pathogenesis above disease. Objective: study levels 25(OH)...

The use of transfusion therapy for sickle cell disease (SCD) is increasing due to expanded indications, increased availability of erythrocytapheresis, and oral chelators to treat transfusional iron overload. However, alloimmunization to red blood cell (RBC) blood group antigens remains a major complication for patients with SCD and often presents significant challenges in their medical manageme...