Campbell-Lee SA, Liu J, Velliquette RW, Halverson GR, Shirey RS, Chaudhuri A, Reid ME, Ness PM, Baldwin WM. The production of red blood cell alloantibodies in mice transfused with blood from transgenic Fyb expressing mice. Transfusion 2006; 46: 1682-1688.
Lee S, Debnath AK, Wu X, Scofield T, George T, Kakaiya R, Yogore MG, III, Sausais L, Yacob M, Lomas-Francis C, Reid ME. Molecular basis of two novel high prevalence antigens in the Kell blood group system, KALT and KTIM. Transfusion 2006; 46: 1323-1327.
Hashmi G, Shariff T, Zhang Y, Cristobal J, Chau C, Seul M, Vissavajjhala P, Baldwin C, Hue-Roye K, Charles-Pierre D, Lomas-Francis C, Reid ME. Determination of 24 minor red blood cell antigens for more than 2000 blood donors by high-throughput DNA analysis. Transfusion 2007; 47: 736-747.
Westhoff C, Vege S, Yazdanbakhsh K, Wylie D, Razib M, Hue-Roye K, Halverson G, Read S, Whiteoak E, Nickle P, Maurer J, Kavitsky D, Nance S, Reid ME. A DOB allele encoding an amino acid substitution (Phe62Ser) resulting in a Dombrock null phenotype. Transfusion 2007; 47: 1356-1362.
Hue-Roye K, Lomas-Francis C, Belaygorod L, Lublin DM, Barnes J, Chung A, Fung-Kee-Fung K, Kinney J, Goldman-Lavi R, Yahalom V, Poole J, Ivankovic Z, Alcantara D, Bekavac M, Golubic Cepulic B, Velliquette RW, Mason R, Reid ME. Three new high-prevalence antigens in the Cromer blood group system. Transfusion 2007; 47: 1621-1629.
The Immunochemistry Laboratory,which is part of the Lindsey F. Kimball Research Institute, performs research that is focused on the clinical practice of transfusion medicine. It is closely affiliated with the Immunohematology Reference Laboratory of the New York Blood Center. Access to a large library of reagent red blood cells of different phenotypes and sera containing antibodies to blood group antigens provides valuable source material needed for our research. The aim of our research is to increase the efficiency and accuracy of the processes involved in the resolution of complex antibody problems, and in locating antigen-negative blood for transfusion recipients. Thus, the Immunochemistry Laboratory serves as a bridge between basic research of human blood groups, and applying our work to the clinical field of Immunohematology.
OBJECTIVES
The focus of research in the Laboratory of Immunochemistry is human blood group antigens with the aims of increasing the efficiency and accuracy of resolving complex antibody problems for patients needing transfusion, and in precisely matching donor units to transfusion recipients. We are also studying blood group genes as they relate to population genetics, and mechanisms that change the character of blood group antigen expression.
1. Blood Group Specific Monoclonal and Recombinant Antibodies The decreasing availability of polyclonal typing sera (derived from humans) for red cell phenotyping is driving efforts in a number of laboratories to produce alternative sources. In the Immunochemistry Laboratory, we are not using the traditional approach of generating monoclonal antibodies from EBV-trnsformed B-lymphocytes from human donors who are making the antibody of interest but also using novel immunogens and genetically altered mice in the production of murine monoclonal antibodies. The aim of the Immunochemistry Laboratory is to generate a comprehensive panel of antibodies to blood group antigens that may be used not only to phenotype patient and donor red cells, but also as tools in the research of human blood antigens.
The available monoclonal antibodies for research reagents to any laboratory requesting them are listed on the website.
2. Molecular Analysis The knowledge of the molecular bases associated with many blood group antigens and phenotypes makes it possible to predict the blood type of people using DNA. The technology has tremendous clinical potential in such cases as the detection of a fetus at risk for hemolytic disease of the newborn and determination of the true blood type of a multiply transfused patient. We have developed practical approaches to perform DNA analysis for blood group polymorphisms using DNA from peripheral blood leukocytes, aminocytes, epithelial cells, and urine sediment. We are leaders in the field of DNA testing and our research translates to the practical use of our laboratory developed tests in the field of Immunohematology.
For information regarding sending samples for DNA analysis, see "DNA Testing for Blood Group Alleles: Information Sheet". DNA Analysis on patient samples other than for direct patient care requires IRB approval.
3. Establish a Library of DNA Samples: There is a need for DNA from phenotyped donors for use as validation, and control samples for PCR-based assays and for samples to be used in proficiency exercises. To this end, we are developing a DNA library of fully tested donor samples. We make this source of DNA available for laboratories performing molecular assays to human blood group antigens
4. Frequency and Diversity of RH alleles in African Americans We are sequencing and studying the RHD and RHCE genes from African American donors and patients with Sickle Cell Disease to determine their relative frequency and diversity. The data generated will be used to design microarrays to identify rare blood donors and precisely match them to alloimmunized patients.
RECENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS
We have identified new blood group antigens and their molecular basis in MNS, Rh, Kell, Dombrock, Diego, Cromer, and Scianna blood group systems.
We have humanized the first murine monoclonal antibodies to Jsa andFya antigens. We have also transformed these monoclonal antibodies to direct agglutinins. We also have produced murine monoclonal antibodies with many specificities. For the list of available monoclonal anitbodies, see hyperlink above.
We have published three books:Denomme GA, Rios M. Reid ME.
Denome GA, Rios M. Reid ME. Molecular Protocols in Transfusion Medicine, Academic Press, San Diego, 2000.
Reid ME, Lomas-Francis C. Blood Group Antigens FactsBook, 2nd: Academic PRess, San Diego, 2004.
Reid MR, Lomas-Francis C. Blood Group Antigens & Antibodies: A guide to Clinical Relevance & Technical Tips, Star Bright Books, New York, 2007.
