Disease Association
Kell antigens are important in transfusion medicine, autoimmune hemolytic anemia and hemolytic disease of the newborn (anti-Kell). Individuals lacking a specific Kell antigen may develop antibodies against Kell antigens when transfused with blood containing that antigen. Subsequent blood transfusions may be marked by destruction of the new cells by these antibodies, a process known as hemolysis. People without Kell antigens(K0), must be transfused with blood from donors who are also K0 to prevent hemolysis.
Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) occurs when the body produces an antibody against a blood group antigen on its own red blood cells. The antibodies lead to destruction of the red blood cells with resulting anemia. Similarly, a pregnant woman may develop antibodies against fetal red blood cells, resulting in destruction, anemia, and hydrops fetalis in a process known as hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN). Both AIHA and HDN may be severe when caused by anti-Kell antibodies, as they are the most immunogenic antigens after those of the ABO and Rhesus blood group systems.
Read more about this topic: Kell Antigen System
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