Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group Blood Types - an informal poll

I am A+ and HLA-B27+. But a caution, blood types themselves are not evenly distributed throughout the population. I believe (and you docs out there can correct me), that O is the type most often occurring in the population, followed by A, B and AB. And I think that there are more with positive rhesus factor than negative (the + or - )
This is what I remember from my EMT and paramedic instructor training.
Cheers! Good question.

A positive and HLAB-27 negative

B27-, A+

Actually, HLA stands for Human Leukocyte Antigen, which is a protein that attaches to the surface of white blood cells. The Rh factor, which determines whether we are - or + sits on the surface of red blood cells, as does the antigen that determines the group itself (i.e. A/AB/B/O). So it seems that it all comes down to a microscopic protein negotiation going on in our bloodstreams.

HLA B27 is a class I histocompatibility molecule (class I MHC protein)


HLA markers are histocompatibility molecules. HLA = "human leukocyte antigen", somewhat of a misnomer, since class I histocompatiblity molecules are widely expressed , and not restricted to leukocytes (white blood cells). Class II molecules have a more restricted tissue expression.

Everyone has both class I histocompatibility molecules (HLA A, HLA B, HLA C) and class II histocompatibility molecules (HLA D) . Genes for HLAs are expressed on chromosome 6, in a gene complex known as the major histocompatibility complex (MHC)

http://saints.css.edu/bio/schroeder/cell_mediated_immunity.html
'Two major classes of MHC proteins:

1. Class I MHC proteins (found on the surface of all nucleated cells) present antigens, identify most body cells as "self", detected by T cytotoxic or TC cells.

2.Class II MHC proteins (found only on B lymphocytes, macrophages, and other cells that present antigens to T cells) don't stimulate antibody production, but are needed for T-cell communication with B-cells and macrophages. "

previous posts on this subject with some additional links:
https://www.kickas.org/ubbthreads/showthreaded.php?Cat=0&Number=16907&page=&vc=1

https://www.kickas.org/ubbthreads/showthreaded.php?Cat=0&Number=150594&page=&vc=1

Quote:

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Class I MHC proteins (found on the surface of all nucleated cells)

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Granted other nucleated tissue cells...But in the specific discussion of blood cells, since RBC's start out with a nucleus, which "disappears" later, do they or do they not carry the HLA marker?

(Not debating-curious)

to my understanding red blood cells, which lose their nucleus as they become mature, do not express HLA markers

'cos otherwise blood transfusions would not be possible because of tissue rejection . . .

OK, as usual, I understood about half of what I read here. Honestly, I think I'm going to buy a medical dictionary at some point.

So, could blood type be related to B27+ ?

Hugs,

LoL Kat...I'm with you! All I know is that with my blood type (0-), I can give to anyone in the world, but can only receive 0- back. I'm still trying to figure out the HLA-B27 thing and blood type...*sigh* - see me in about 20 years, maybe it'll be easier to understand then.

So, where do we stand statistically?

Sherree

HLA-B27+

B+