Isoantigen Kell System

Kell system isoantigen (also known as Kell antigen) is a protein that is present on the surface of some people's red blood cells and can cause problems with blood transfusions.

The Kell system is one of the most common blood antigen systems, found in 1-2% of the world's population. It was discovered in the 1950s when scientists discovered that some blood donors were not compatible with recipients who had the Kell antigen. This is because Kell antigen is found on the surface of red blood cells, and if present in the donor, it can trigger an immune response in the recipient, which can lead to problems with transfusion.

Kell antigen is an important factor in organ transplantation and blood transfusion, as it can cause rejection in recipients. Therefore, before blood transfusion, it is necessary to test for the presence of Kell antigen in the donor and recipient.

However, Kell antigen is not the only factor that can cause problems with blood transfusions. There are many other factors that can affect blood compatibility, including HLA (Human Leucocyte Antigens) which may also be present on the surface of red blood cells.

In general, Kell antigen is one of the most important factors influencing blood transfusion compatibility, but not the only one. Therefore, when performing a blood transfusion, it is necessary to take into account all factors that may affect its compatibility.

Isoantigen systems play an important role in determining blood compatibility and transfusion medicine. One such system is the Kell system, which was named after the American immunologist William Kell. Isoantigens of the Kell system are represented by specific proteins found on the surface of red blood cells.

The Kell system consists of 35 known isoantigens, designated by the symbols K, k, Kpa, Kpb and others. They are formed due to genetic variations in genes encoding proteins known as glycophorins. The most important isoantigens of the Kell system are K and k.

Isoantigen K is formed due to the presence of the KEL gene on chromosome 7. People who have this gene have the K antigen on the surface of their red blood cells. In the absence of the KEL gene or its changes, red blood cells do not produce isoantigen K. Antibodies against isoantigen K can arise in individuals who do not have it, for example, from blood transfusions or during pregnancy.

Isoantigen k is a variant of isoantigen K and is also produced by the KEL gene. People who have two KEL genes form isoantigen K, those who do not have the KEL gene or it is altered form isoantigen k. Antibodies against isoantigen k can be formed in response to contact with erythrocytes possessing isoantigen K.

Isoantigens of the Kell system are important during blood transfusion and pregnancy. If the transfused blood contains isoantigens to which the recipient has antibodies, this can lead to the development of a hemolytic reaction, which can be life-threatening for the patient. Therefore, before blood transfusion or during pregnancy, testing is carried out for the presence of antibodies to Kell system isoantigens.

In conclusion, the Kell system is one of the important isoantigenic systems that determine blood compatibility. Isoantigens K and k, produced by the KEL gene, play a role in determining the hematopoietic group and may have clinical significance in blood transfusion and pregnancy. Understanding and accounting for isoantigen systems, such as the Kell system, are essential to ensure the safety and effectiveness of blood transfusions and care for pregnant women.