Tissue expression of antigens of ABH blood groups in species of New World Monkeys (Aotus infulatus, Callithrix jacchus, Sapajus apella and Saimiri sciureus)

PLoS One. 2020 Nov 18;15(11):e0241487. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0241487. eCollection 2020.

Abstract

ABH antigens are histo-antigens, but were first described on the surface of human erythrocytes. They are found in those cells only in great apes and humans, while in more primitive animals they are found in tissues and body fluids. ABH antigens are mainly distributed in tissues that are in contact with the external environment and may serve as ligands for pathogens in tissues or block their connection. Description of the distribution of these molecules in non-human primate tissues is restricted to a few tissues and species. This paper describes the expression of human A, B and H type antigens in different organs from four species of New World Primates, obtained from the Centro Nacional de Primatas, as well as comparing that expression with what has been described for humans. In this study, although the tissue description of the antigens is similar to the genetic model for humans, some differences in expression between some organs from those species and those of humans were found. The differences occurred mainly in endodermal organs that have secretory functions and are probably under the control of the human-type FUT-2 enzyme. In the mesodermal-origin organs there was a reduction or absence of A and B antigen marking, particularly in the H precursor substance, indicating that those organs are under the control of the human-type FUT-1 enzyme. These findings have demonstrated that there is similar ABH antigen reactivity in tissue distribution between the species, although there are some species-specific cases.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • ABO Blood-Group System / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Antigens / metabolism*
  • Aotidae
  • Callithrix
  • Organ Specificity*
  • Platyrrhini
  • Saimiri
  • Sapajus apella
  • Species Specificity

Substances

  • ABO Blood-Group System
  • Antigens

Supplementary concepts

  • Aotus azarae
  • Saimiri boliviensis

Grants and funding

This study was supported Federal University of Pará (UFPa) and Centro Nacional de Primatas (CENP). The funders had no role in the study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish or preparation of the manuscript. Gyselly de Cássia Bastos de Matos received a scholarship from UFPa.