Molecular characterization of the Fy(a-b-) phenotype in a Polish family.

The Fy(a-b-) phenotype, very rare in Caucasians and defined by the homozygous FY(*)B-33 allele, is associated with the -33T>C mutation in the promoter region of the FY gene. The allele FY(*)X is correlated with weak expression of Fy(b) antigen due to 265C>T and 298G>A mutations in FY(*)B allele. The purpose of this study was molecular characterization of Fy blood group antigens in Fy(a-b-) members of a Polish family.

One-step immunopurification and lectinochemical characterization of the Duffy atypical chemokine receptor from human erythrocytes.

Duffy antigen/receptor for chemokines (DARC) is a glycosylated seven-transmembrane protein acting as a blood group antigen, a chemokine binding protein and a receptor for Plasmodium vivax malaria parasite. It is present on erythrocytes and endothelial cells of postcapillary venules. The N-terminal extracellular domain of the Duffy glycoprotein carries Fy(a)/Fy(b) blood group antigens and Fy6 linear epitope recognized by monoclonal antibodies.