Blood group antigen (BGA)

Blood group antigens are a diverse group of molecules, including glycoproteins and glycolipids, expressed on the surface of red blood cells and other tissues (NCBI, 2021). While traditionally defined by their role in transfusion medicine and immune-mediated hemolysis, these antigens serve critical physiological functions as ion transporters, water channels (e.g., Colton antigen), and cell adhesion molecules (StatPearls, 2023). They are the primary targets in hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN) and hemolytic transfusion reactions, where maternal or recipient antibodies recognize foreign erythrocyte antigens. In clinical practice, the RhD antigen is a major therapeutic target for Rho(D) immune globulin, which is administered to prevent alloimmunization in Rh-negative mothers (PubMed, 2022). Furthermore, certain blood group antigens serve as receptors for pathogens, such as the Duffy antigen being utilized by Plasmodium vivax for entry into erythrocytes. Understanding the molecular landscape of these antigens is essential for blood safety, managing pregnancy complications, and developing strategies for rare blood type matching.

Other names

Erythrocyte surface antigensRed cell antigensABO blood group systemRh blood group systemHuman erythrocyte antigens

Passive immunization; neutralization of RhD-positive fetal red blood cells in maternal circulation to prevent B-cell sensitization (StatPearls, 2023). Masking of antigens via pegylation to prevent immune recognition (PubMed, 2021).