The Rh blood group system (D antigen) was characterized by which researchers?

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Multiple Choice

The Rh blood group system (D antigen) was characterized by which researchers?

The D antigen of the Rh blood group system was identified by Karl Landsteiner and Alexander S. Wiener. Their landmark work in 1940 showed there is a separate red cell antigen system beyond ABO, explaining why some people are Rh-positive and others Rh-negative. The name Rh comes from early experiments with blood from Rhesus monkeys, but the important point is that this discovery established a distinct, highly immunogenic antigen system used to assess transfusion compatibility and to understand hemolytic disease of the newborn. Edward Jenner is known for the smallpox vaccine, and while Landsteiner’s earlier work defined the ABO system, the Rh system required Wiener’s collaboration.

The D antigen of the Rh blood group system was identified by Karl Landsteiner and Alexander S. Wiener. Their landmark work in 1940 showed there is a separate red cell antigen system beyond ABO, explaining why some people are Rh-positive and others Rh-negative. The name Rh comes from early experiments with blood from Rhesus monkeys, but the important point is that this discovery established a distinct, highly immunogenic antigen system used to assess transfusion compatibility and to understand hemolytic disease of the newborn. Edward Jenner is known for the smallpox vaccine, and while Landsteiner’s earlier work defined the ABO system, the Rh system required Wiener’s collaboration.

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