BERGONIA, Julius Justin SABILLENA, Miguel M.

THE P BLOOD GROUP SYSTEM P (ISBT #003) GLOBOSIDE BLOOD GROUP (ISBT# 028) GLOBOSIDE COLLECTION (ISBT# 029)

Score: January 29, 2010

HISTORY: In 1927, Landsteiner and Levine in their search for new antigens, injected human RBCs into rabbits and produced an antibody which is initially called anti-P. It divided human RBCs into two groups: P+ and P-. In 1951 Levine and company described anti-Tja (now known as anti- PP1Pk). The P blood group became more complex when the antigen Pk was discovered by Matson and company. GENE: Chromosomal Antigen The genes encoding for the P1 gene is located on chromosome 22 while the gene encoding for the P gene is located on chromosome 3. They are both inherited independently. Pk was synthesized from lactosylceramide by the gene encoding the enzyme 4--galactosyltransferase (Gb3 or Pk synthase). Pk can be converted to P by the gene encoding the enzyme 3-N--acetyltransferase (Gb4 synthase). ANTIGEN: Biochemical Nature The main component of the P blood group antigen exists as glycoshingolipids. They have the same precursor as the ABH antigen as type 2H chains. However the genes responsible for it's formation are independent. The common precursor is lactosylceramide (Gb2, ceramide dihexose, or CDH) which will then be converted to paragloboside and P1. Pk (globotriosylceramide or Gb3) is synthesized by the addition of galactose to the precursor which can be converted to P(globoside or Gb4) by the addition of Nacetylgalactosamine. The Luke or LKE antigen is formed by the addition of galactose and sialic acid to globoside. Shorthand Designation or Symbol - P1 - P1k - P2 - P2k -p Common Phenotypes - P1 - P2 Expression P1, P, Pk are found on RBCs, lymphocytes, granulocytes and monocytes; P can be found on platelets epithelial cells and fibroblasts. P and Pk have also been found in plasma as glycosphingolipids and as glycoproteins in hydatid cysts. ANTIBODY: Shorthand Designation or Symbol Anti- P1 - Autoanti-P ( Associated with Paroxysmal Cold Hemoglobinuria) Anti-PP1k - Alloanti-P k Anti- P Immunoglobulin Type P blood group system antibodies are usually IgM. IgG forms are rare so HDN is no associated with the system. Also, the antigen is so poorly developed on fetal cells. Clinical Signinficance Pathologic conditions like parasitic infections is associated with anti- P1, early abortions with anti-PP1Pk or anti-P, and PCH with autoanti-P. Bacterial infections are also associated like E.coli, Streptococcus suis, Vibrio cholerae and Vibrio hemolytocus infections. Also, the globoside is the receptor for human parvovirus B19.