Glycophorin B (GYPB)

Glycophorin B is a major **red blood cell (erythrocyte) membrane glycoprotein** encoded by the *GYPB* gene, part of the MNS blood group system and designated as **CD235b**[3][5][6]. It carries the **S and s blood group antigens** and is heavily glycosylated, contributing to the negative charge and non-adherent properties of RBCs[1][6][5]. Glycophorin B is involved in immune and infection biology: genetic variants like the Dantu allele (DUP4) protect against malaria by altering red cell membrane tension[1][3]. It also acts as a **receptor for pathogens** (*Plasmodium falciparum*, viruses), but its precise physiological function remains only partly understood since its absence does not cause disease in healthy individuals[1][6]. Glycophorin B is clinically significant in transfusion medicine due to its role in blood group compatibility and risk for hemolytic disease of the newborn and transfusion reactions mediated by antibodies against S, s, or U antigens[6][3]. The gene is prone to structural variation and recombination, producing hybrid proteins and rare antigenic variants[1][4][6].

Other names

Glycophorin-BGPBCD235bSS-active sialoglycoproteinSialoglycoprotein deltaSs sialoglycoproteinblood group system MNSsblood group system SsPAS-3St(a)Miltenberger (Mi)Stones (St^a^)DantuHenshaw (He)MgMNS antigen systemU antigenGYPB-A fusionGYPB/GYPA fusionglycophorin A/B hybridSsS-s-U-Mit+En[a]

Monoclonal antibodies bind Glycophorin B to detect specific Ss antigens for blood typing, transfusion compatibility, and prevent hemolytic complications Screening for genetic variants (e.g., DUP4) in malaria-endemic regions for predictive medicine