Functional Aspects of Blood Group Antigens
Program Code: 5021-S
Saturday, October 21, 2006
2:00 PM to 3:30 PM (ET)

MODERATOR
George Garratty, PhD, FRCPath, American Red Cross Blood Services

SPEAKERS
Connie Westhoff, PHD, SBB, New York Blood Center

DESCRIPTION
For many years, there have been reports of associations of blood group antigens with disease. Over the last few decades there has been increasing evidence that blood group antigens may have functional roles but many apply to cells other than RBCs. The speakers will discuss evidence for possible functional roles in the RBC membrane (e.g., transporter channels in the membrane). They will also talk about the important functions of adhesion molecules on RBCs and other cells, and their associations with blood group antigens. Particular attention will be paid to sickle cell disease.