Proteolytic enzyme treatment of red cells typically destroys which antigen leading to hemolytic transfusion reactions?

Proteolytic enzyme treatment of red cells is particularly effective at cleaving certain membrane proteins and glycoproteins on the surface of red blood cells. This treatment often targets the specificity of various blood group antigens. In the context of hemolytic transfusion reactions, the Fya antigen, which is part of the Duffy blood group system, is notably susceptible to degradation by proteolytic enzymes such as papain and bromelain.

When red blood cells are treated with these enzymes, the Fya antigen can be destroyed, which may lead to a situation where previously compatible blood types could now appear incompatible, resulting in hemolytic transfusion reactions if these cells are transfused into a recipient with anti-Fya antibodies. Understanding this mechanism highlights the importance of careful blood typing and screening for antibodies in transfusion medicine to prevent adverse reactions.

In contrast, while the ABO antigens and Rh antigens are critical to blood transfusions, they are less affected by proteolytic enzyme treatment compared to Fya. The Lea antigen is also affected by enzymatic treatment but does not typically lead to the same clinical significance in terms of hemolytic reactions as the Fya antigen does. Thus, the specificity of proteolytic enzymes for the