Blood cell antigens are protein markers present on the surface of various blood cells, including red blood cells (erythrocytes), white blood cells (leukocytes), and platelets. Such antigens play roles in immune recognition, compatibility in blood transfusions and organ transplants, and the diagnosis of certain other medical conditions. Blood cell antigens are categorized into blood group systems, and their variations contribute to the diversity of human blood types. The ABO system is one of the best-known and medically important blood group systems. It is determined by the presence or absence of A and B antigens on the surface of red blood cells. These antigens are determined by genetic alleles inherited from parents. The combinations of A, B, and absence of both antigens result in blood types A, B, AB, and O, respectively. The presence of A and B antigens affects immune responses and compatibility for blood transfusions. The absence of these antigens in type O individuals makes them universal donors, whilst AB individuals are universal recipients. The Rhesus (Rh) system is another clinically important blood group system. RhD protein (Rhesus factor) forms part of the Rh-associated glycoprotein (RhAG) complex, which helps maintain the integrity and stability of the red blood cell membrane. Individuals with RhD antigen are classified as Rh-positive (e.g., A+, B+), whilst those lacking the antigen are Rh-negative (e.g., A-, B-). The presence of Rh antigens is important in pregnancy, as Rh-negative mothers carrying Rh-positive foetuses can develop haemolytic disease of the new-born if sensitization occurs. The Kell blood group system includes Kell antigens, and variations in these antigens result in Kell blood group antigens on red blood cells. Anti-Kell antibodies can develop after blood transfusions or pregnancies, leading to haemolytic disease. The Duffy blood group system includes antigens like Fya and Fyb, involved in immune responses and interactions with certain pathogens, including the Plasmodium parasite, whilst the Kidd blood group system consists of Jka and Jkb antigens. These antigens are involved in urea transport in kidney tissues, and variations can impact susceptibility to certain kidney diseases. The MNS blood group system is characterized by antigens M, N, S, and s. The MNS blood group system is also clinically relevant in blood transfusions, as well as in maternal-foetal compatibility during pregnancies. Incompatibility between a mother's blood type and her foetus’s blood type can lead to haemolytic disease of the new-born, as occurs with Rh incompatibility. Finally, the Lewis blood group system includes antigens Lea and Leb. These antigens are not inherently present on erythrocytes but are present in secretions and can affect interactions between cells and tissues. Lea and Leb antigens are not inherited directly from genes, rather they are synthesized by enzymes in response to the presence of certain alleles of the FUT2 (fucosyltransferase 2) and FUT3 (fucosyltransferase 3) genes. The presence or absence of these antigens is influenced by the individual's genetics, but it is also influenced by factors such as the individual's secretor status, determined by the FUT2 gene. We offer a comprehensive product range of research tools for studying blood cell antigens, including Haptoglobin antibodies, Glycophorin A antibodies, Hemoglobin antibodies, Myoglobin ELISA Kits, and Haptoglobin ELISA Kits. Explore our full blood cell antigens product range below and discover more, for less. Alternatively, you can explore our RBC Antigens and WBC Antigens product ranges.