The role of ABO blood groups and secretor status in host defences

FEMS Microbiol Immunol. 1989 Jun;1(6-7):341-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1574-6968.1989.tb02419.x.

Abstract

Epidemiological studies on the associations between ABO blood group antigens, secretor status and susceptibility to infectious agents are summarized. Evidence for association of non-secretion with some autoimmune diseases for which infectious aetiologies have been proposed is also given. Several hypotheses are proposed to explain the host-parasite interactions underlying the epidemiological observations, and evidence to support or refute them is presented.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • ABO Blood-Group System / genetics
  • ABO Blood-Group System / immunology*
  • Autoimmune Diseases / blood
  • Autoimmune Diseases / epidemiology
  • Autoimmune Diseases / immunology
  • Biomarkers
  • Epidemiologic Factors
  • Humans
  • Infections / blood
  • Infections / epidemiology
  • Infections / immunology
  • Lewis Blood Group Antigens / genetics
  • Lewis Blood Group Antigens / immunology
  • Models, Biological

Substances

  • ABO Blood-Group System
  • Biomarkers
  • Lewis Blood Group Antigens