The C3b/C4b receptor (CR1, CD35) on erythrocytes: methods for study of thepolymorphisms

This report is devoted to methodologies used in analyzing the C3b/C4b recep tor (CR1, CD35) on erythrocytes (E), its soluble form, the CR1 structural o r allotype polymorphism, and CR1 density polymorphism. In primates E CR1 se rves as the main system for processing and clearance of complement opsonize d immune complexes (IC). CR1 copy numbers decrease with aging of E in norma l individuals. Erythrocyte CR1 is also decreased in pathological conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), HIV infection, certain hemolyt ic anemias, and many other conditions featuring immune complexes. Consequen tly, CRI on E has an important physiological role in immune complex handlin g and has interesting alterations in disease. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd . All rights reserved.