Rh0

Rh0, also known as Rhesus factor 0, is an antigen found on the surface of red blood cells. It is one of the most common blood group antigens, with approximately 85% of the world's population expressing Rh0. The Rh0 antigen is a glycoprotein that is encoded by the RHCE gene. The presence or absence of Rh0 does not affect blood type compatibility in most cases, but it can be important in certain medical situations, such as blood transfusions and pregnancy.

Rh0 is part of the Rh system, which includes several other antigens, such as RhD, RhC, and RhE. The Rh system is named after the rhesus monkey, which was used in early blood typing studies. The Rh system is the most important blood group system in humans, as it is responsible for the majority of blood type incompatibilities.

Rh0 is not to be confused with RhD, which is the most well-known Rh antigen. RhD is present in approximately 85% of the population and is responsible for the Rh-positive blood type. Rh-negative individuals, who lack the RhD antigen, are at risk of developing Rh incompatibility if they receive a blood transfusion from an Rh-positive donor. Rh0-negative individuals are also at risk of developing Rh incompatibility, but the risk is lower than for RhD-negative individuals.

Rh0 is a complex antigen, with multiple alleles and polymorphisms. The RHCE gene, which encodes Rh0, is located on chromosome 1. The gene has multiple exons and introns, and it is subject to alternative splicing and post-translational modifications. The Rh0 antigen is a type 1 transmembrane protein, with a single transmembrane domain and a cytoplasmic tail. The extracellular domain of Rh0 is composed of multiple domains, including a CUB domain, a von Willebrand factor type A domain, and a mucin-like domain.

Rh0 is expressed on the surface of red blood cells, but it is not expressed on other cell types. The expression of Rh0 is regulated by multiple factors, including genetic factors, environmental factors, and cellular factors. The Rh0 antigen is a target for natural antibodies, which can cause hemolytic anemia in Rh0-negative individuals. The Rh0 antigen is also a target for therapeutic antibodies, which are used to treat certain medical conditions, such as autoimmune hemolytic anemia and hemolytic uremic syndrome.