ABH and Lewis histo-blood group antigens, a model for the meaning of oligosaccharide diversity in the face of a changing world

摘要

Antigens of the ABH and Lewis histo-blood group family have been known for a long time. Yet their biological meaning is still largely obscure. Based on the available knowledge about the genes involved in their biosynthesis and about their tissue distribution in humans and other mammals, we discuss here selective forces that may maintain or propagation these oligosaccharide antigens. The ABO, α1,2fucosyltransferase and α1,3 fucosyltransferase enzyme families have been generated by gene duplications. Members of these families contribute to biosynthesis of the antigens through epistatic interactions.