Question | Answer |
The antigens of the Diego blood group are carried on this important protein | band 3 protein, lies in the red blood cell (RBC) membrane. |
What is the function of the band 3 protein? | chloride/bicarbonate exchanger involved in carbon dioxide transport from tissues to lungs. It also is found in the kidney, where it is involved in acid secretion |
Mutations in the gene that encodes the Diego antigens, SLC4A1, can cause these RBC morphologic changes | These mutations can result in RBCs with an abnormal membrane (hereditary ovalocytosis and spherocytosis) and kidneys that are defective in secreting acid (renal tubule acidosis). |
Frequency of Diego antigens | Dia is found mainly in populations of Mongolian descent.
It is found in 36% of South American Indians, 12% of Japanese, and 12% of Chinese, whereas it is rare in Caucasians and Blacks (0.01%).
Dib is found universally in most populations |
Frequency of Diego phenotypes | Di(a-b+) is found in >99.9% of Caucasians and Blacks and >90% of Asians.
Di(a+b+) found in <0.1% of Caucasians and Blacks and in 10% Asians.
Di(a+b-) found in <0.01% Caucasians, Blacks, and Asians.
Di(a-b-) found in 1 case only |
Antibodies produced against Diego antigens: isotype? | Anti-Dia and anti-Dib is IgG; anti-Wra is IgG or IgM |
Do Antibodies produced against Diego antigens cause
Transfusion reactions? | Yes
Anti-Dia and anti-Dib are capable of causing a moderate to severe delayed transfusion reaction. Anti-Wra can cause an immediate hemolytic transfusion reaction |
Do Antibodies produced against Diego antigens cause Hemolytic disease of the newborn? | Yes
Anti-Dia and anti-Wra can cause severe disease.
Anti-Dib tends to cause mild hemolytic disease |
expression of Diego antigens is limited to RBCs and this organ | expression of Diego antigens is limited to RBCs and the kidney (in the distal tubule and the collecting tubule). |