Human Biochemistry Volume 2 - Murray R. 1993

Special Topics
Glycoproteins and Proteoglycans
Glycoproteins — Blood Group Antigens

Blood Group Antigens are Oligosaccharides of special medical interest. Their Structure and synthesis deserve a detailed examination. In 1900, Landsteiner described the ABO Blood Groups. To date, more than 20 blood group systems expressing over 160 different antigens are known. The ABH(O) blood groups and the Lewis (Le) system have been studied most extensively. In erythrocytes, these antigens are linked to specific Membrane Proteins via O-glycosidic bonds, with GalNAc serving as the most proximal sugar residue. The specific oligosaccharides that form these antigens occur in 3 forms: 1) as glycosphingolipids and Glycoproteins On the surface of erythrocytes and other Cells; 2) as oligosaccharides in milk and urine; and 3) as oligosaccharides linked to mucins secreted in the gastrointestinal, urogenital, and respiratory tracts.

There are 4 independent Gene systems associated with the expression of these oligosaccharide antigens (Table 54.7); only 3 of them will be discussed here.



Last update: 06/08/2026

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