Characteristics of Duffy Blood Group Antigens and Their Global Distribution.
- Author:
Chae Seung LIM
1
;
Kyung Hee KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Laboratory Medicine, Korea University Guro Hospital, Seoul, Korea.
- Publication Type:Review
- Keywords:
Duffy blood group antigens;
DARC;
Plasmodium vivax
- MeSH:
Blood Group Antigens;
Capillaries;
Cerebellum;
Chemokines;
Communicable Diseases;
Continental Population Groups;
Duffy Blood-Group System;
Endothelial Cells;
Erythrocytes;
Humans;
Kidney;
Malaria, Vivax;
Parasites;
Plasmodium vivax;
Pulmonary Alveoli;
Purkinje Cells;
Venules
- From:Korean Journal of Blood Transfusion
2013;24(1):13-20
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
The Duffy antigen was discovered in 1950, in a multiply transfused hemophiliac. Important progress has since been made in understanding the Duffy blood group system and its complexity. The Duffy blood group antigen (gp-Fy) is present primarily in erythrocytes, and also in endothelial cells of capillary and postcapillary venules, Purkinje cells of cerebellum, kidney, and pulmonary alveoli. The gp-Fy serves not only as a blood group antigen, but also as a receptor for chemokines, and as a receptor for Plasmodium vivax malaria parasites. The Duffy antigen is encoded by the DARC gene, its approved name is Duffy blood group chemokine receptor. Investigation of the DARC gene can help us in understanding the relationship of infectious disease to race or population. In addition, the allelic frequency of DARC varies according to the geographic area, which appears to reflect the history that mankind had adapted to environments and diseases, emigrating. As a result, further study of Duffy antigens can provide us with an integral and sound understanding of the human race.
