The expression of human blood group antigens during erythropoiesis in a cell culture system

Phenotypic analysis of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells has been an invaluable tool in defining the biology of stem cell populations. We use he re Row cytometry to examine the expression of human erythroid-specific surf ace markers during the maturation of early committed erythroid cells derive d from cord blood in vitro. The temporal order of the expression of erythro id specific markers was as follows: Kell glycoprotein (gp), Rh gp, Landstei ner Wiener (LW) gp, glycophorin A (GPA), Band 3, Lutheran (Lu) gp, and Duff y (Fy) gp. The time at which some of these markers appeared suggests possib le roles for some of these erythroid-specific polypeptides during the diffe rentiation of these committed progenitors. The early appearance of Kell gp raises the possibility that it may have an important role in the early stag es of hematopoiesis or cell lineage determination. Kell gp may also be a us eful marker for the diagnosis of erythroleukemia. The late expression of Lu gp suggests it may be involved in the migration of erythroid precursors fr om the marrow. Fy gp is also expressed late consistent with a role as a sca venger receptor for cytokines in the bone marrow and circulation, Rh c anti gen appeared before ph D antigen, and it is suggested that this may reflect a reorganization of the developing erythroid cell membrane involving the p h polypeptides and other components, including GPA and Band 3. (C) 1999 by The American Society of Hematology.