Defining the breakpoints of hybrid blood group alleles

Abstract

PREVIEW

Our understanding of the molecular basis of blood group antigen expression began some 25 years ago with the concept that genetic information could be used to predict a phenotype^1,2. Characterization of the alleles and expression of the corresponding antigens continue to be refined. The International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT) working party on Red Cell Immunogenetics and Blood Group Terminology develops and maintains guidelines for blood group antigen and allele nomenclature for use in transfusion medicine and related sciences³. Two publications in this issue of Blood Transfusion^4,7 underscore the concept that our definition of blood group alleles and their relevance to immunohematology should be mindful of the subtleties of gene architecture. [ ... ]