Autoimmunity and the Kell Blood Groups: Auto‐Anti‐Kp^b in a Kp(a+b‐) Patient

Abstract

Abstract. An example of auto‐anti‐Kp b in a Kp (a + b‐) patient is described. The antibody present in the patient's serum and in eluates from her red cells was IgG. It did not bind complement, and did not cause in vivo hemolysis. 9 months after recognition of the autoimmune state the direct antiglobulin test had become negative and anti‐Kp b was no longer detectable. It is postulated that autoimmunity involving the Kell blood group may be precipitated by antigens or enzymes of microbial origin.