The Gerbich blood group system: a review

Abstract

Antigens in the Gebrich blood group system are expressed on glycophorin C (GPC) and glycophorin D (GPD), which are both encoded by a single gene, GYPC. The GYPC gene is located on the long arm of chromosome 2, and Gebrich antigens are inherited as autosomal dominant traits. There are 11 antigens in the Gebrich blood group system, six of high prevalence (Ge2, Ge3, Ge4, GEPL [Ge10*], GEAT [Ge11*], GETI [Ge12*]) and five of low prevalence (Wb [Ge5], Ls(a) [Ge6], An(a) [Ge7], Dh(a) [Ge8], GEIS [Ge9]). GPC and GPD interact with protein 4.1R, contributing stability to RBC membrane. Reduced levels of GPC and GPD are associated with hereditary elliptocytosis, and Gebrich antigens act as receptors for the malarial parasite Plasmodium falciparum. Anti-Ge2 and anti-Ge3 have caused hemolytic transfusion reactions, and anti-Ge3 has produced hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN).