KELL

Anti-K is Identified in

1964 in the serum of Mrs. Kelleher

Kx ISBT number

019 and symbol XK

Kx antigen is found in

Erythroid tissues or RBCs (as well as other tissues like brain, lymphoid organs, heart, skeletal muscle)

Kell Blood Group Antigens are found only on

RBCs

- detected on fetal RBCs as early as 10 weeks

● Well developed at birth

K-antigen

- detected at 7 weeks

k antigen

(aka Cellano)

k antigen

Other Antigens

● Kpa, Kpb, and Kpc, Jsa, Jsb Antigens

Depressed reactivity of anti-K is observed in some

LISS reagents

● It is a separate blood group, but it is related to the Kell blood group

The Kx Antigen

Kx is present on all RBCs except those of the rare

McLeod phenotype

phenotype RBCs have increased Kx antigen

K0 and Kmod

RBCs lack expression of a Kell antigens

Ko

Immunized individuals with Ko phenotype typically make an antibody called

Anti-Ku (K5)

RBCs lack Kx and another high-prevalence antigen, Km and have marked depression of all Kell antigens

McLeod phenotype

Decreased deformability and reduced in vivo survival. Instead of flexibly entering the small vessels they disintegrate

Acanthocytic

McLeod phenotype is Associated with

Chronic Granulomatous Disease (CDG

is characterized by the inability of phagocytes to make NADH

(nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide oxidase), an enzyme important in generating H2,O2, which is used to kill ingested bacteria.

CGD

Develop a slow, progressive form of muscular dystrophy (muscle will shrink) between ages 40 and 50 years

McLeod individuals