Diego antigen system
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
The Diego blood group
History
The Diego system was discovered in 1955 in one Mrs. Diego when her child was found to suffer from HDN. The child was type Dia. A second type Dib was discovered in 1967 but the other types only began to be discovered in 1995. [1] , [2]
Definition
Blood is classified in the Diego system by the form of the band 3 protein, coded for by the gene SLC41A (Solute Carrier family 4, Anion exchanger, member 1). Each allele of the gene SLC41A is classified as a separate blood group. The band 3 protein functions in the transport of Cl– and carbonate.
The system
There are 21 known Diego blood types, the most common is Di(a-b+); found in over 99.9% of Caucasians and Blacks, and in about 90% of Asians. Most of the remaining 10% of Asians are (a+b+). The cultural distribution of the blood group lends it some importance to the science of anthropology. [3]
References
- ↑ Blood Groups and Red Cell Antigens”NCBI
- ↑ M.S. Mallen & T. Arias. “Inheritance of Diego blood group in Mexican Indians” Science. 1959 Jul 17;130(3368):164-5 PMID: 13668547
- ↑ M. Layrisse & J. Wilbert “Absence of the Diego antigen, a genetic characteristic of early immigrants to South America. Science. 1961 Oct 13;134:1077-8./ PMID: 14463057
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