Association between HLA and Red Cell Antigens

The variation in the reactivity of red blood cells (RBC) with HLA haemagglutinins was studied, and the influence of some variable factors evaluated. A comparison of the HLA reactivity of RBC with automated and manual methods, showed the superiority of the Auto-Analyzer technique. The similarity in the nature and behaviour of HLA RBC antigens and the related Chido and Rg antigens is discussed. Inhibition/adsorption experiments were performed, and the results did not support the theory that HLA antigens on RBC originate from serum-HLA-active substance. The strength of the HLA reactivity of RBC from a donor was shown to vary from time to time without evidence of clinical disease.