ABSTRACT
The ABH antigens are carbohydrates, the A and B determinants being found at the termini of the oligosaccharide chains of glycoproteins and glycolipids.
Most ABH antigens on RBCs are glycoproteins, the carbohydrate portion usually being linked to protein, e.g., the anion transport protein (AE1 or Band 3). Because the ABH blood group antigens are not localized to a particular protein, the antigens are also found widely distributed in body tissues and occur in soluble form in secretions. The presence or absence of ABH substances in saliva determines the “secretor” status of the person (see
Lewis blood groups
).
