The Kidd (JK) Blood Group System

The Kidd blood group system was discovered in 1951 and is composed of two antithetical antigens, Jka and Jkb, along with a third high incidence antigen, Jk3. The Jk3 antigen is expressed in all individuals except those with the rare Kidd-null phenotype. Four Kidd phenotypes are therefore possible: Jk(a+b-), Jk(a-b+), Jk(a+b+), and Jk(a-b-). The glycoprotein carrying the Kidd antigens is a 43 kDa, 389 amino acid protein with 10 membrane-spanning domains which functions as a urea transporter on endothelial cells of the renal vasa recta as well as erythrocytes.

Source: Transfusion Medicine Reviews - November 7, 2016 Category: Hematology Authors: Shaun Lawicki, Randal B. Covin, Amy A. Powers Source Type: research