Abstract: Disclosed herein are nucleic acid molecules which permit the accurate and direct determination of blood groups based on the presence of certain genes. A method of determining blood groups is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to Duffy antigen receptor for chemokines and uses thereof. In one embodiment, the invention provides a method for screening for drug candidates that inhibit angiogenesis. The method comprises contacting a molecule with a Duffy antigen receptor for chemokines and determining whether the molecule binds to the Duffy antigen receptor for chemokines. In another embodiment, the invention provides a method for inhibiting tumor growth. In yet another embodiment, the invention provides a method for inhibiting angiogenesis. In a further embodiment, the invention provides a method for promoting tumor necrosis.

Abstract: A composition and method for inhibiting binding of malarial Duffy-binding ligand to Duffy blood group antigens on mammalian erythrocytes is disclosed. The composition includes a Duffy-related peptide which interferes with binding between Duffy antigen expressed on erythrocyte cell surfaces and the Duffy-binding ligands of merozoites. Particularly preferred peptides are the peptides having the sequences AELSPSTENSSQLDFEDVWNSSYGVNDSFPDGDYD (SEQ ID NO:1) or AELSPSTQNSSQLNSDLWNFSYDGNDSFPDVDYD (SEQ ID NO:4), as well as peptides which comprise either of those sequences in their primary structure, or other peptides having equivalent function. A method is disclosed which comprises administering a Duffy-based peptide which interferes with malarial binding to Duffy antigen in an amount sufficient to inhibit binding of merozoites to erythrocytes.

Abstract: gpD protein, the major subunit of the Duffy blood group antigenic system, has been isolated. gpD protein contains the receptor, by which P. vivax enters red cells and causes malaria. gpD has significant sequence homology with human and rabbit interleukin-8 receptors and, therefore, gpD protein likely is a new class of chemoattractant cytokines receptor. gpD protein cDNA has a quasi-total homology with a human hippocampus cDNA clone HHCMF86 and, therefore, gpD protein or a homologous protein may be present as a neuropeptide receptor in brain. gpD protein is present in all red cell progenitors and it may be a receptor for cell proliferation and/or differentiation. gpD protein cDNA identifies in human kidney a mRNA of the same size as the bone marrow. Since the kidney is not and has no potential to become an erythropoietic organ, this putative chemoattractant receptor may have essential renal functions.

Abstract: gpD protein, the major subunit of the Duffy blood group antigenic system, has been isolated. gpD protein contains the receptor, by which P. vivax enters red cells and causes malaria. gpD has significant sequence homology with human and rabbit interleukin-8 receptors and, therefore, gpD protein likely is a new class of chemoattractant cytokines receptor. gpD protein cDNA has a quasi-total homology with a human hippocampus cDNA clone HHCMF86 and, therefore, gpD protein or a homologous protein may be present as a neuropeptide receptor in brain. gpD protein is present in all red cell progenitors and it may be a receptor for cell proliferation and/or differentiation. gpD protein cDNA identifies in human kidney a mRNA of the same size as the bone marrow. Since the kidney is not and has no potential to become an erythropoietic organ, this putative chemoattractant receptor may have essential renal functions.