RED BLOOD CELLS EXPRESSING REDUCED LEVELS OF BLOOD GROUP ANTIGEN EXPRESSION, METHOD FOR THE PREPARATION THEREOF AND USE

摘要

A method for the preparation of red blood cells expressing reduced levels of blood group antigens using at least one immunodominant sugar modifying enzyme, for example alpha-N-acetylgalactosaminidase or alpha-galactosidase. The red blood cells produced preferably express a level of antigen substantially equivalent to the clinically significant threshold for the antigen. Red blood cells produced according to said method are used for the quality control of blood typing reagents and the calibration of testing systems to give accurate and standardized determinations of blood group types.