A new look at an old case: An auto-anti-P with pseudo-LKE activity

Abstract

Aims: LKE is a high-incidence, minor RBC glycosphingolipid, related to both Pk and P antigens. Approximately 1% individuals are LKE-negative. However, antibodies against LKE are rare, with only six cases mentioned in literature. Past examples of anti-LKE have relied on serologic testing, with no direct testing against RBC glycosphingolipid (GSL). To test a historical 'anti-LKE' against a panel of RBC and glycosphingolipid standards by high performance thin layer chromatography and standard serology. Methods: Serum samples included human polyclonal anti-LKE, alloanti-P, alloanti-PP1Pk and untransfused controls. Hemagglutination was performed by gel method with ficin-treated RBC of known LKE, P and P1 phenotype. P antigen expression was determined by titration with a well characterized alloanti-P. Antibody specificity was determined by incubating serum against glycosphingolipids on high performance thin layer chromatography plates. Results: The patient's serum reacted with most LKE+ RBC but not ficin-treated p, Pk, or LKE-negative donors, consistent with an anti-LKE. However, on direct testing, the patient's antibody failed to recognize monosialogalactosylgloboside, the LKE antigen. The patient's serum did recognize globoside (P) antigen. This was confirmed by hemagglutination, which showed a correlation between LKE phenotype, P antigen expression and serum reactivity. The patient's weak auto-anti-P was not inhibited by solubilized globoside. Conclusion: This historical anti-LKE is an auto-anti-P with 'pseudo-LKE' activity due to differences in P antigen expression between LKE+ and LKE-donors.

Authors and Affiliations

Laura Cooling

Keywords

Related Articles

Prevalence of weak D phenotype among D negative C/E+ blood donors in Morocco

Aims: Determination of D variants is important for selection of blood products and to prevent anti-D-related hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn. The prevalence of weak D phenotypes varies significantly among diff...

Comparative study of two automated pre-transfusion testing systems (microplate and gel column methods) with standard tube technique

Aims: Clinically significant antibodies may become undetectable and still provoke transfusion reactions. Hemolysis has been reported among transfusion recipients with anti-Kidd that was undetectable by gel column but det...

Induced pluripotent stem cells: An update

Introduction: The discovery that the mature cells can be reprogrammed to become pluripotent increased the enormous interest in induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology for their potential application in biomedical...

Preparation of red cell concentrates in low-income countries: Efficacy of whole blood settling method by simple gravity in Burkina Faso

Aim: This study aims to describe the characteristics of the red cell concentrates (RCCs) produced by whole blood settling in Burkina Faso. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study in the blood centers of Ouagadougo...

The prevalence of transfusion transmitted infections: A focus on hepatitis B virus among blood donors at Hawassa blood bank center, Southern Ethiopia

Aims: Millions of lives are saved each year through blood transfusion but a safe blood supply is a critical component of health care to prevent the spread of blood-borne infectious diseases. Therefore, it is essential to...

Download PDF file
  • EP ID EP210074
  • DOI 10.5348/ijbti-2013-10-OA-1
  • Views 81
  • Downloads 0

How To Cite

Laura Cooling (2013). A new look at an old case: An auto-anti-P with pseudo-LKE activity. International Journal of Blood Transfusion and Immunohematology, 3(1), 1-12. https://europub.co.uk/articles/-A-210074