Antibodies Responsible for Hemolytic Disease
Hemolytic disease is a condition in which the body produces antibodies that attack and destroy its own red blood cells. These antibodies, known as autoantibodies, can be directed against many different components of the red blood cell, including its surface proteins or antigens. The most common antibodies responsible for hemolytic disease are those directed against red blood cell antigens known as Rh and Kell.
Rh Antibodies
The most common antibodies responsible for hemolytic disease are those directed against the Rh antigen. These antibodies are called Rh antibodies and are produced when the Rh antigen is encountered for the first time. This usually happens during a pregnancy, when the Rh antigen from the fetus enters the mother's bloodstream. If the mother is Rh negative and the fetus is Rh positive, the mother's body will begin producing Rh antibodies. These Rh antibodies can cross the placental barrier and attack the red blood cells of the fetus, leading to hemolysis.
Kell Antibodies
Kell antibodies are another type of antibody that can cause hemolytic disease. They are directed against the Kell antigen found on the surface of red blood cells. Unlike Rh antibodies, Kell antibodies are usually produced in response to a transfusion of incompatible red blood cells. When a person receives a transfusion of red blood cells with a different Kell antigen than their own, their body will produce Kell antibodies, which can attack and destroy the transfused red blood cells. This can lead to a severe, life-threatening hemolytic reaction.
